Wayne assisted living center fined $16K after six hepatitis deaths

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services levied the fine against Glen Care of Mount Olive on Wednesday. The state released the information Friday after being notified the facility received the letter.

Last year, state health officials found violations at the facility involving unsafe sharing of blood glucose monitoring equipment. They said the faulty procedures likely spread Hepatitis B to eight elderly residents, including six who died.

A state review committee had unanimously recommended the fine. The company can appeal or must pay the fine within 60 days.

In February, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the hepatitis-related deaths showed the need for vigilance in infection control.

Hepatitis B is a contagious virus that can cause severe liver problems, and it is typically transmitted by exposure to blood or body fluids. Symptoms include fever, extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting, dark urine and yellowish skin.

Glen Care officials have denied any responsibility for the hepatitis outbreak, suggesting it was caused by people coming in from outside or by residents sharing drinks or having unprotected sex. Medical technicians said they never told state investigators that they used the same glucose monitors on different patients.