Hepatitis B Outbreak in New Jersey

The office of Dr. Parvez Dara in Toms River, New Jersey, has been associated with at least 29 cases of hepatitis B, according to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. The health department has sent letters to thousands of Dr. Dara’s patients recommending that they get tested for hepatitis B. The Board of Medical Examiners suspended Dara's license in April 2009.

According to the Associated Press:

Health inspectors visited Dara's office in March [2009] and described conditions there as unsanitary. The inspectors said they found blood on the floor of a room where chemotherapy was administered, blood in a bin where blood vials were stored, unsterile saline and gauze, and open medication vials. Inspectors also cited problems with cross-contamination of pens, refrigerators and countertops; use of contaminated gloves; and misuse of antiseptics, among other health code violations.

Following the inspection, county health officials sent a 28 Mar 2009 letter to Dara's patients warning them of the risk and suggesting they be tested.

"Evidence gathered at this time suggests that since 2002, some clinic staff provided care in a manner that put patients at risk for infection caused by blood-borne viruses, including hepatitis B [virus]," the 12 Aug 2009 letter told patients. "The investigation to date suggests that the hepatitis B infections identified may be associated with the method by which medications were administered and procedures performed at the practice."

Hepatitis B is caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV attacks the liver and can cause chronic infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, and liver failure. Hepatitis B can be fatal.

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