Patients of Lindsay dental clinic urged to be tested for viruses

LINDSAY — Patients of Lakeland Clinic in Lindsay who received dental treatment between Nov. 10 and Feb. 21 should be tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit urged Tuesday.

Patients of the clinic at 2 Albert St. N. who were treated in that time may be at risk for a bloodborne virus, officials stated in a press release, noting that the risk is low.

The warning followed a health unit investigation into infection prevention practices there found there were times in which equipment may not have been properly sterilized.

Without proper sterilization, clients risk being exposed to the germs of others left on improperly cleaned instruments, officials stated.

The probe began after the health unit was notified of a person recently diagnosed with hepatitis C who had received treatment at Lakeland Clinic. The investigation revealed a potential link to a second person with hepatitis C who also received treatment at the clinic.

The health unit has been working closely with the staff of Lakeland Clinic and proper sterilization practices are now in place, officials stated. An investigation continues.

“The clinic has worked with the health unit to correct any identified deficiencies in their sterilization practices and they are now operating at the expected standard of care,” medical officer of health Dr. Lynn Noseworthy stated. “As a result, the clinic is permitted to continue its practice.”

Early diagnosis can ensure anyone infected receives treatment and does not unknowingly spread a virus, officials stated, adding that many with the viruses do not have symptoms.

Identified patients of the clinic have received a letter and a requisition that allows them to go directly to a lab to have their blood drawn for testing.

Test results will be provided to the health unit, which will notify patients of their results one to two weeks after the tests are done.