CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) – The Department of Veterans Affairs says three patients exposed to contaminated medical equipment have now tested positive for HIV.
The VA said Friday initial tests show one patient each from its Murfreesboro, Tenn.; Augusta, Ga.; and Miami medical facilities has the virus that causes AIDS.
The cases include one previously reported at an unidentified facility.
The patients are among thousands getting tested because they were treated with endoscopic equipment that wasn’t properly sterilized and exposed them to the body fluids of others.
The VA also said there have been six positive tests for the hepatitis B virus and 19 positive tests for hepatitis C at the three locations.
The agency says there’s no way to prove patients contracted the illnesses at its facilities.
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