– 22457710

EL PASO, Texas — Twenty more people have tested positive for hepatitis C of those tested for bloodborne disease after an error was discovered in the use of insulin pens at William Beaumont Army Medical Center, hospital officials said Friday.

Back in March, 16 people were diagnosed with the disease. That brings the total of people infected with hepatitis C to 36.

The infectedpatients will require further evaluation to determine whether thedisease was pre-existing or possibly related to insulin pen use, officials said.

No patients have tested positive for HIV. In addition, two people have tested positive for hepatitis B.

Patients who tested positive have been referred to WBAMC gastroenterology clinic. Hospital officials saya liver specialist is evaluating patients to determine what treatment is required.

In March, hospital officials said they made contact with 94 percent of patients who were determined to be at risk for infection.

Officials now confirm to ABC-7 that only 67 percent of the population who is at risk has elected to be screened for the diseases.

Over 2,100 patients were believed to be at risk for infection.

Screenings began Feb. 5 and notification of results began Feb. 26, Beaumont officials said.

The problem occurred with pens used to adminster insulin injections. Hospital staff were replacing the needle but re-using the pen, something they were not supposed to do. The supplies were in use from August 2007 to January 2009.

The toll-free phone number is 1-866-770-0194 for any person who has questions or concerns.

The Walter Reed Army Institute of Researchand the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are conducting a detailed epidemiology study on the infection scare.