VA: Some of the tested Mo. veterans have viruses

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Some veterans who have come in for testing since word of dental sterilization lapses at the St. Louis VA Medical Center have tested positive for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.

But an official says it is too early to know if they got the viruses from the dental equipment.

Dr. George Arana of the Veterans Health Administration spoke Tuesday at a congressional hearing in St. Louis. The hearing was convened after the VA sent letters two weeks ago, warning 1,812 veterans treated in St. Louis that faulty sterilization of dental equipment potentially exposed them to viruses.

Arana says 950 veterans have been tested. He did not say how many have tested positive but said more testing is necessary to determine the cause.