New York State Department of Health Takes Action Following Reports of Hepatitis C Infections

Department Shares Initial Details as Investigation Review Continues

ALBANY, N.Y. (June 28, 2024) - The New York State Department of Health and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYCDOHMH) continues to take action, with investigation and outreach, following reports of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in a number of patients who underwent procedures between September 1, 2022, and August 31, 2023, at American Access Care in the Bronx, Plainview and Queens. Although the investigation is still underway, this situation does not pose a broader public health risk, as exposure has been limited to a very specific group of patients.

Hepatitis C is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver and can cause permanent liver damage. Hepatitis C is a bloodborne infection and is transmitted when infected body fluids are transmitted from one person to another.

"Hepatitis C is a treatable and curable disease, yet is often without symptoms, it lies hidden when someone is infected," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "Testing individuals with potential exposure helps us find patients before permanent damage is done to their liver so they can be treated and cured."

"The city and state are working closely together to identify anyone who may have been exposed to hepatitis C, and ensure they have access to the testing, care, and treatment services they need," said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. "This investigation is focused on specific patients who may have been exposed during the course of their care and not on the city at large. However, as hepatitis C is treatable and curable, we encourage all New Yorkers to be screened at least once in their lifetime."

State and City health officials are continuing to take steps to address the needs of impacted patients. At the direction of State and City health officials, American Access Care is proactively notifying patients who had procedures at the affected clinics between September 1, 2022, and August 31, 2023, and all patients who receive a letter are being offered no-cost, confidential blood testing.

At the Governor's direction, the State is ensuring that anyone impacted by this issue is able to receive appropriate care. Patients notified of a potential exposure have been offered no-cost, confidential blood testing. Medicaid, the Essential Plan, and Medicare cover both HCV testing and screening, and coverage is typically also offered through commercial insurance. The Department of Health provides $5 million annually to build healthcare provider capacity specifically to prevent and treat HCV among high-risk populations.

In November 2021, New York State released its Hepatitis C Elimination Plan and joined the global public health effort in a commitment to eliminate hepatitis C by 2030. The plan outlines a set of recommendations to address the inequities that sustain the hepatitis C epidemic in the New York State. On May 15, 2024, the New York State Department of Health reported on its progress towards hepatitis C elimination during the second Annual New York State Hepatitis C Elimination Progress Report meeting.

Please see the following for additional information and what individuals who may have been exposed should do:

  • If patients believe they may have been exposed, they should contact their American Access Care location or their own health care provider.
  • Today, most new hepatitis C infections occur via sharing of injection supplies among people who inject drugs (please see the surveillance reports). Healthcare-associated hepatitis C is rare and the risk to the general public from this particular situation under investigation remains low.
  • Help New York State eliminate hepatitis C. Learn more about hepatitis C at NY Cures Hep C.
  • Track New York's progress towards hepatitis C elimination on the Hepatitis C Dashboard.
  • Check the NYSDOH AIDS Institute provider directory for hepatitis C testing and treatment resources.
  • Regarding available care in NYC, for information on hepatitis C or to find a NYC location offering low- to no-cost hepatitis C testing or treatment, visit nyc.gov/health/hepc or call 311.