Surgery center possibly exposed thousands of patients to HIV, hepatitis

A letter from the HealthPlus Surgery Center was sent out this month notifying patients who had a procedure there between January and September that they may have come in contact with various infections.

(MORE: The risk of heart attack peaks on Christmas Eve, according to a new study)

“An investigation by the New Jersey Department of Health revealed that during this time period, lapses in infection control in sterilization/cleaning instruments and the injection of medications may have exposed patients to bloodborne pathogens,” the letter states, adding that it is important to get tested “even if you do not remember feeling sick.”

“All of us at HealthPlus understand this may be upsetting,” the letter continues.

HealthPlus said they would pay for all medical costs associated with testing for various infections, and added that to date, “there have not been reports of any infections or illness related to the investigation.”

(MORE: For people living with mental illness, the holidays can be extra challenging)

Most of the patients possibly exposed are from New York and New Jersey.

Sourse: abcnews.go.com