Only as a precautionary measure 15.com

Administrative Offices 4041 N Central Ave, #1400 ? Phoenix, Arizona 85012 Phone: (602) 506-6900 ? Fax: (602) 506-6885

April 15, 2014

XXX XXX XXX

Dear XXX:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently began investigating reports of hepatitis C, hepatitis B, HIV and tuberculosis infections among cadavers which had undergone preparation and dissection procedures at Biological Resource Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

The CDC has informed Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) officials that some employees might have been exposed to blood and body tissues of infected cadavers. Employees who were not following the protective measures outlined in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogen Standard () could have been placed at increased risk for contracting certain infectious diseases. We have no further information regarding particular risks you may have had, although in general, the risk of becoming infected from cadavers is low.

Because you have been identified as a former employee of Biological Resource Center, and because we do not have information regarding protective measures you took in the workplace, we recommend that you get tested for hepatitis C, hepatitis B, HIV and tuberculosis. We are making this recommendation only as a precautionary measure.

People infected with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, or tuberculosis may not have symptoms for many years, so testing is the only way to be sure you are not infected. Although testing cannot determine where you were infected (at the workplace or at another location), knowing whether you are infected may be important, as you can be treated if your test results are positive.

We understand that this information may cause you stress and we want to do all we can to put aside any fear you have in regards to your health status as quickly as possible. Therefore, MCDPH will be offering you free testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV and tuberculosis. Next week, an employee from MCDPH will contact you to arrange testing. If you do not receive a call by April 25, 2014, it is possible that our contact information for you is not correct. In this case, please call Angelito Bravo at 602 372-1013 and he can assist you in coordinating the testing process. The results of your tests will be communicated to you via telephone and mail, and we will assist you if any follow up medical evaluation is needed.

We understand that you may have additional questions or concerns about this information and your risk of contracting an infectious disease. Please feel free to contact Angelito Bravo, or email us with your questions at epidemiology@mail.. You may also obtain additional information about hepatitis C, hepatitis B, HIV and tuberculosis at .

Again, we are offering you these services as a precaution.

Sincerely,

Bob England, MD, MPH Director Maricopa County Department of Public Health

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