Two Valley hospitals requesting former patients be tested for Hepatitis C
Jul 25, 2012, 12:02 PM | Updated: 1:00 pm
Two Valley hospitals are requesting that former patients undergo confidential testing after a former employee tested positive for Hepatitis C.
The former employee, identified as David Matthew Kwiatkowski, worked at Maryvale Hospital between March 9, 2009 and June 27, 2009 and the Arizona Heart Hospital from between March 22, 2010 and April 2, 2010. He worked in the cardiac catheterization labs at both locations.
Patients who received care from both locations during the aforementioned time periods are being offered free, confidential Hepatitis C testing.
A virus, Hepatitis C is passed through the blood and affects the liver. Only about one in five people who contract the virus become ill. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and yellow eyes and skin. Most people who contract the virus develop a chronic infection.
There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C.
About 1.6 percent of Americans have Hepatitis C.
Kwiatkowski was involved in a Hepatitis C outbreak in New Hampshire. He was then linked to a temporary staffing agency that employed him while he was in Arizona.
It is unknown when or how Kwiatkowski contracted the virus.
Former patients who want more information can call (602) 647-6844, email Maricopa County or get more information about the investigation at azdhs.gov.
