VA: Some tested St. Louis veterans have viruses, but too early to say if dental lapse to blame

VA: Some of the tested Mo. veterans have viruses

ST. LOUIS — Some veterans who have come in for testing since word of dental sterilization lapses at the St. Louis VA Medical Center have tested positive for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.

But an official says it is too early to know if they got the viruses from the dental equipment.

Dr. George Arana of the Veterans Health Administration spoke Tuesday at a congressional hearing in St. Louis. The hearing was convened after the VA sent letters two weeks ago, warning 1,812 veterans treated in St. Louis that faulty sterilization of dental equipment potentially exposed them to viruses.

Arana says 950 veterans have been tested. He did not say how many have tested positive but said more testing is necessary to determine the cause.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — A former medical supply technician at the St. Louis VA Medical Center has told a congressional hearing that she warned more than a year ago that dental equipment sterilization was inadequate, but her pleas were ignored.

Earlene Johnson testified Tuesday at a special hearing in St. Louis called by the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

The committee convened the hearing after the VA sent letters two week ago, warning 1,812 veterans treated at the St. Louis dental clinic that lapses in sterilization of dental equipment potentially exposed them to viruses including hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.

The VA calls the risk very small, but not zero.

Two veterans testified that the mistake is causing them great anxiety.