March 20, 2008
Nevada Leaders Press for Federal Action Over Hepatitis Scare

By Dave Maxwell, Staff Writer

The unfolding Nevada hepatitis crisis prompted calls March 12 by Nevada’s political leaders for a federal response.

Senator Harry Reid hosted a meeting with the entire Nevada delegation to discuss the hepatitis exposure in the state. The group discussed additional steps to take to address the immediate situation, as well as what can be done to prevent future occurrences. Afterward, Sen. Reid held a conference call with Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Dr. Julie Gerberding, Nevada Assemblywoman Sheila Leslie, and state health officials for a briefing about the response to the recent exposure.

Senator Reid said he is happy that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are following through quickly by sending staff members to Nevada to help state agencies with the investigations. “This is no longer just a Southern Nevada problem,” he said. “Our concern is, it appears to me, that to save a little on syringes and vials, it may be a statewide problem. It may be a nationwide problem.”

Representative Jon Porter, R-Nev., said he was inquiring whether the Air Force might be able to supply doctors or facilities at Nellis Air Force Base to pick up the slack for the surgical centers in Nevada that have been closed by the state. “We want to make sure the federal government is responding appropriately, that the CDC and other agencies are doing everything they can.” Porter said.

The Southern Nevada Health District has advised 40,000 patients who underwent procedures at the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada between March 2004 and January 2008, be tested for infectious diseases because of improper injection practices at the clinic.

Investigations by federal authorities are expected, but are not yet mobilized. Dr. Gerberding, director of the CDC, said during the conference call, “These errors are more common than anyone would have expected. I still don’t have a national picture.”

Representative Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., called for Congressional hearings and Sen. John Ensign R-Nev., along with Senator Reid, said they might try to secure extra money for the Nevada State Health Division when Congress returns in April from its spring break.

The CDC is now on alert, helping Nevada health authorities investigate the situation in Nevada with the intent of learning lessons to apply nationwide. However, Dr. Gerberding said she still felt more is needed. “I am not impressed that inspection per se is the piece of the puzzle most likely to do the most good. You’re just getting a brief snapshot of what’s going on at a facility,” she said. “Creating tip lines and opportunities for people to raise issues is going to be an important part of the solution.”

Senator Reid pledged to continue working to ensure resources are provided to respond to this incident.