VA: Pumps exposed vets to infection

MIAMI, March 24 (UPI) -- Thousands of U.S. veterans are at a slight risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis because of improperly cleaned water pumps in Miami, officials said.

Patients who had colonoscopies and gastrointestinal procedures at Miami's Veterans Administration Medical Center were exposed to water pump tubes that were rinsed but not disinfected, which produced a slight chance for infection, The Miami Herald reported Tuesday.

John Vara, the Miami VA's chief of staff, told reporters the hospital discovered the situation March 4. He said that although the risk of the patients contracting human immunodeficiency virus -- which can lead to AIDS -- is low, "any risk is unacceptable." He added VA officials had sent letters to about 2,500 veterans urging them to get blood tests.

The revelations brought sharp criticism from U.S. Rep. Ron Klein, D-Fla., who called the situation "outrageous and unacceptable" and asked for an immediate investigation into why proper medical procedures were not followed, the Herald reported.