Dublin VA reports no new infections after veterans were potentially exposed to diseases

A month after warning more than 4,600 veterans they might have been exposed to HIV, Hepatitis B and C, a Middle Georgia VA medical center says it has not identified any new infections.

The Carl Vinson VA Medical Center in Dublin paused medical procedures for two days in January after an internal review found issues with the staff’s procedures for sterilizing equipment between patients.

In a letter sent to thousands of patients treated at the center who had dentistry, endoscopy, urology, podiatry, optometry, or surgical procedures last year, staff warned veterans could have been exposed to blood-borne pathogens.

In response to a Telegraph inquiry, a spokesperson said the center has not identified any confirmed cases of newly acquired infections traced to the sterilization issues.

“Any veteran who has a test indicating potential infection will have their sample analyzed to determine if the transmission is recent or older,” James W. Huckfeldt, the center’s deputy public affairs officer, wrote in an email to the Telegraph. “The findings from the additional testing will be used to accurately diagnose any impacted veterans and ensure that they receive appropriate medical treatment.”

Testing is ongoing.

“We want our veterans to know that we are here for them and are committed to ensuring they are supported throughout this process,” Huckfeldt wrote..

A team from the Augusta VA Medical Center came to the Dublin VA in mid-January to reprocess all equipment. Staff from VAs in Atlanta, South Carolina and Alabama came to the Dublin VA to provide personnel training. All staff have since been retrained on all current guidelines, according to the press release.

Veterans can call 478-274-5400 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday for more information.