ALARMING

Positive Test From NJ Med Center That Exposed Patients to HIV, Hepatitis

Only 185 of nearly 4,000 patients have been tested so far.

A patient has tested positive for hepatitis C after being treated at a New Jersey surgery center that may have exposed thousands to the virus and to HIV through shoddy practices. Officials are investigating whether the person contracted the illness from HealthPlus Surgery Center in Saddle Brook or was infected before treatment, NJ.com reported. Health officials have urged nearly 4,000 patients to be tested, but fewer than 200 have done it so far. State investigators released a report last week identifying shortcomings in sterilization procedures. The facility was closed after the problems were found but reopened after a new inspection. “I think anyone can feel safe about coming here,” a lawyer for the facility told NJ.com.