None so far test positive for HIV after syringes reused

The Associated Press and Tulsa World - July 7, 2018 8:24 am

(Information from: Tulsa World, http://www.tulsaworld.com)
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) – Cherokee Nation officials in Oklahoma say more than 180 patients affected by a tribal hospital nurse improperly reusing syringes have been notified they can receive free blood tests and that no one has tested positive for HIV or hepatitis.
The Tulsa World reports 127 of the patients have been tested. Tribal officials said Thursday that it’s unclear whether the rest will get tested.
Experts have said the chance of infection is remote. The hospital CEO said patients were never directly in contact with a needle.
Officials said the nurse violated protocols by using the same vial of medication and syringe to inject multiple intravenous bags at W.W. Hastings Hospital in Tahlequah. The nurse no longer works for the tribe.
A panel reviewing the case plans to issue a report in August.

 

Latest Stories

Protest Held at Ponca City High School Thursday

Some students at Ponca City High School held a peaceful protest on Thursday afternoon regarding a...

Area School Closings

Ponca City-distance learning Frontier-distance learning Newkirk Blackwell Tonkawa Medford Deer Creek/Lamont Pioneer Tech Northern Oklahoma College...

NOC, Ponca City Rotary Donate Dictionaries at Tonkawa Elementary School

Northern Oklahoma College and the Ponca City Rotary Club partnered to provide dictionaries for each 3rd...