Boston Medical Center Faces Hepatitis B Virus Scare, Department of Health Investigating Virus Exposure

Possible Hepatitis B exposure shook the community of Boston Medical Center, with reports alleging that the virus was spread through the hospital while five patients were undergoing treatment, according to The Boston Globe.

 "Recently, we became aware that a small number of patients were potentially exposed to (the) Hepatitis B virus and five patients are potentially at risk from the exposure,"  BMC spokeswoman Jennifer Watson said, according to the Globe.

 "We have communicated with these patients and are monitoring them closely. Additional measures have been put in place to avoid the possibility of a similar exposure in the future."

Hepatitis B, a potentially life-threatening virus that attacks the liver and often spreads through bodily fluids, with a range in severity from a mild illness that may last a few weeks to something much more serious that could pose lifelong health concerns. The virus can be spread through sexual contact with an infected person or sharing needles, syringes or other drug-injection equipment. It can also be passed from mother to child at birth, according to the CDC.

Hepatitis B can be either acute or chronic. Acute Hepatitis B virus infection is a short-term illness that occurs within the first 6 months after someone is exposed to the Hepatitis B virus. Acute infection can - but does not always - lead to chronic infection. Chronic Hepatitis B virus infection is a long-term illness that occurs when the Hepatitis B virus remains in a person's body. Chronic Hepatitis B is a serious disease that can result in long-term health problems, and even death, and the best way to prevent the virus is by getting vaccinated.

At this time, the hospital did not disclose how the patients may have contracted the virus, and have thus far not said specifically how the patients might have been exposed, according to South End Patch. 

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is investigating.