Hepatitis C scare - Nellis update Published March 26, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Travis Edwards Nellis AFB Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- 1,800 local Department of Defense, veteran and retired personnel were notified March 5, to be screened for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. This came after the alleged unsafe practices of a few key endoscopy centers in Southern Nevada, which Nellis personnel were referred to by TriWest. The centers are currently being investigated by the local health district officials. According to TRICARE officials at the Mike O'Callghan federal hospital, TriWest has since terminated its contracts with various locations of the Gastroenterology Center of Nevada, the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada LLC, ECSN II, LLC and doctors in question due to the alleged, unsafe practices that are currently being investigated. Anyone who received anesthesia injections at the clinics in question dating back to March 2004, get screened for hepatitis C, hepatitis B and HIV, said Maj. Brian Blalock, 99th Aerospace Medical Squadron Public Health Flight commander. In a release by Nevada State Governor Jim Gibbons on March 20, the State Health Division, Bureau of Licensure and Certification surveyors, completed 48 of the 50 onsite inspections of suspected ambulatory surgery centers throughout Nevada. Two of the facilities were not inspected due to one being remodeled and the other had its business license revoked. Maj. Blalock said, there are no confirmations of infection with the viruses in any of the personnel who were screened at the MOFH. Additionally 1,300 Las Vegas veterans were notified to get screened as well. As of March 21, roughly 700 of the 1,341 VA patients have been tested for hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and HIV, with two testing positive for hepatitis C since the mass notification, said Dr. Ramu Komanduri, chief of staff of the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System. "So far, we've only had two new cases that have been identified. It doesn't mean they've been linked to this outbreak," Dr. Komaanduri said. "They're positive tests but there's no guarantee. They could have had it for 20 or 30 years. You never know until you get tested." Those who received the notification and have access to the MOFH may receive a screening by contacting the Public Health office at (702) 653-3351 or walking in between 7:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.
