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| N.J. Sued Over Prison System's Handling of Hepatitis C Among Inmates |
| By Associated Press |
| Published: 10/28/2002 |
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A federal lawsuit alleges New Jersey failed to test prison inmates in high risk groups for hepatitis C infection and likewise test for the disease in those inmates found to have symptoms consistent with liver ailments. The lawsuit filed last week in U.S. District Court also alleges the state and its prison medical contractors failed to promptly inform inmates who tested positive and provide follow-up counseling. The lawsuit was brought on behalf of Walter Bennett, an inmate released in August after serving 10 years for armed robbery. It names the Department of Corrections and medical contractors Spectrum Healthcare Services Inc., Correctional Medical Services and officials from those companies. Laura Feldman, one of Bennett's lawyers, said the prison system had reason to test Bennett for hepatitis C in June 2000 because a routine blood test revealed he had elevated liver enzymes. Bennett also had a history of drug use and had received a blood transfusion before 1992. Intravenous drug use and blood transfusions before that date are risk factors associated with the potentially fatal liver disease. Elevated enzymes in the bloodstream are an indicator of liver ailments. Feldman said that by February 2002, Bennett was confirmed to be infected with hepatitis C but was not informed until just before his August release. She said Bennett was told then he should seek follow-up treatment. ''They didn't impress upon him the gravity of the situation,'' she said. The lawsuit seeks class action status. Feldman was unable to estimate the number of New Jersey inmates it would affect. ''But it's not a small problem by any means,'' she said. Pennsylvania had a similar problem with hepatitis C among its prison population, she said, adding officials there estimated 25 percent of the inmate population was affected. New Jersey corrections spokesman Chris Carden said the department does not comment on pending litigation. He declined to comment on the extent of the hepatitis problem in the state's prison system. ''We're assessing that and addressing the situation,'' he said. People unaware they have the disease can spread it through shared drug paraphernalia, sex and possibly blood on shared toothbrushes. About a third of hepatitis C patients clear the disease on their own. Of the rest, one in every five will develop liver disease. By the time a patient shows serious symptoms, it's usually too late for treatment. |
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