A “traveling lab technician” was arrested in a hospital bed today U. S. Attorney John Kacavas announced.  As one NH reporter writes, “U.S. Attorney John Kacavas, flanked by a cadre of local, state and federal officials….announced Thursday that David Matthew Kwiatkowski, 32, a former Exeter Hospital employee, has been charged in connection with the hepatitis C outbreak that has affected at least 30 hospital patients….Kacavas said authorities are working with officials in at least six other states where Kwiatkowski worked previously to address any possible public health implications in other parts of the country.”

The suspect is being called a “serial infector” by the press–a term far too kind if he is guilty.  Authorities believe Kwiatkowski stole syringes containing Fentanyl and injected himself with them; he filled the used syringes with another liquid which were later used on patients. The investigation began in May yet “We are closer to the beginning of our investigation than the end,” Kacavas said.

This arrest is only dealing with the strain authorities believe infected 30 patients.  There may be other victims in other states. But in NH, 12 other Cardiac Cath Lab patients have tested positive with different HCV strains.  They deserve answers and care from Exeter Hospital too.

For more information about the arrest:

NH Public Radio: All Things Considered has posted short interview with Atty. Kacavas.

Exeter Hospital’s 7/19/12 update is terrifying.  How did this man pass all the pre-employment drug tests?  How did he get all those drugs?