Hep C outbreak at NH hospital likely caused by employee drug abuse

New Hampshire health officials believe a hepatitis C outbreak at Exeter Hospital was likely caused by an employee who stole hospital drugs, got high, and then spread the virus to patients. Public Health Director Dr. José Montero announced Wednesday the most likely explanation for the viral outbreak is so-called "drug diversion." In hospitals, the term drug diversion typically refers to an employee injecting narcotics intended for patients, then transmitting a disease through contaminated equipment, such as a syringe, Montero said. Montero also announced six new cases of hepatitis C have been linked to the outbreak, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 20.