The John Cochran Division of the St. Louis Veterans Affairs Program has announced that 1,800 vets may have been exposed to Hepatitis B and C, as well as HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.  Specifically, vets who had dental work performed from February 2009 to March 2010 may be at risk.

According to VA spokesperson Laurie Tranter, an inspection in mid-March uncovered improper cleaning techniques of some dental instruments.  CBS News is reporting that technicians hand washed certain instruments before putting them in a cleaning machine.  Proper protocol is for the instruments to be put directly into the cleaning machine without prewashing by hand. 

Although personnel are emphasizing that the risk for infection is very low, Rep. Russ Carnahan (D-Missouri) did not hide his disdain over the entire debacle.  Per a statement prepared in response to the situation, Rep. Carnahan stated, "This is absolutely unacceptable.  No veteran who has served and risked their life for this great nation should have to worry about their personal safety when receiving much needed healthcare services from a Veterans Administration hospital."

According to the CDC website, Hepatitis B is serious disease affecting the liver; the length of the illness can be brief, or may become chronic.  The agency recommends that all infants become vaccinated from the virus.

Although Hepatitis C is also a bloodborne virus that affects the liver, there is currently no vaccine for the disease.

The VA Hospital in St. Louis is offering free blood screening for all three viruses.