Note from the publisher: This article has been updated with additional information from employees, patients and health officers.
Melbourne, Fl – March 14, 2025 – An investigation of the bomb bowl has to restore the emergency restriction of Dr. Lily J. Voepel, after three confirmed cases of hepatitis -c infections (HCV) were associated in direct connection with their interventional pain treatment clinic in Melbourne, Florida. This number has now risen to at least 12 infected patients. The investigation carried out by the Florida Ministry of Health revealed serious failures for infections and widespread violations of medical security in the facility in the 4015 N. Harbor City Boulevard, Melbourne, FL 32935. Although only three infections were officially confirmed by genetic tests, the health officials who were exposed to much more patients.
This article contains a detailed breakdown of the results of the examination, the specific violations that led to the outbreak, and the serious risks of the current and former patients.
The Florida Ministry of Health initiated an investigation in cooperation with the local authorities after a group of hepatitis -C cases in patients without conventional risk factors, all of which in Dr. Had been treated. The results of the report describe the scope of the exposure, the confirmed infections and the persistent risk of hundreds of patients. Here is a detailed look at the most important results and information from victims:
Results from the official report
In coordination with the local health authorities, the Florida Ministry of Health ceased an investigation after three patients – identified as a patient HS, patient AH and patient HF – had diagnosed a rare tribe of hepatitis C
On March 7, 2025, health officers carried out an unannounced inspection and discovered extensive violations that were an immediate threat to public health. Below you will find the most important findings:
Confirmed infections and potential exposure
- Three patients It was confirmed that hepatitis C has through Molecular tests This combined its infections with the clinic. Since then, 12 patients have been confirmed.
- The exact number of additional Potentially exposed patients remain unknown because of incomplete and inconsistent medical documents. Information from former employees and other publicly available information estimates that 400 patients may be exposed.
- The exposure period identified in the report extends from March 2024 to February 2025 (not March 2023, as previously believed).
Violations of infection control and dangerous conditions
1. Default in proper sterilization of medical devices
- The Car slave machine to sterilize surgical instruments Was not correctly verified for effectiveness.
- Sports test required Every seven days To ensure proper sterilization, was not carried out In accordance with CDC guidelines.
- Inspectors found Reusable medical devices that are wrapped into discolored, non -sterile gauze.
2. Reuse of one-way medical care and improper need for needles
- A Disposable salt bag Was not properly used for several patients.
- Used needles were found Outside of the sharp consumption containerCreate a Main pollution risk.
- Several medication vials were used as Multi-dose of bottlesBut was missing the required labeling of open and expiration data that violate violation of security protocols.
3 .. expired and contaminated medical devices
- The crash cart of the clinic, which was intended for life-saving situations for emergencies, contained expired medication and devices, including defibrillator pads that expired in July 2024.
- The operating room and the recovery beds were covered with foam tubes that could not be cleaned properly.
- The monitoring of patient monitoring contained visible hair and dirt, which caused concerns about the cross -contamination.
4. Lack of hygiene and hand washing systems
- The sink in the facility was overcrowded with objects, making the staff impossible to wash the right hand.
- There was no special hand washing station available for surgical team members to sterilize their hands before the interventions.
5. Lack of risk management & surveillance
- The manual for guidelines and procedures of the facility has not been updated since January 2024 despite the annual review.
- There was no active risk management program and no quarterly reviews were carried out.
- A non -registered employee, Lisa Stebben, was found as support in the operating room without being listed in the official registration of the clinic.
Immediate consequences and license restriction
On March 12, 2025, the Florida Ministry of Health granted an emergency restriction (ERO) against Dr. Voepel's medical license, which was prevented:
- Implementation of procedures with intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous injections.
- When the proven doctor acts for a registered operation in Florida.
The The general surgeon quoted Dr. Voepels failure Consultation of the infection control standards as immediate and serious danger to public health to justify legal measures.
Warning of the Ministry of Health: Let yourself be tested immediately
Health officers demand patients who between March 2024 and February 2025 in Dr. Voepel were treated, to test hepatitis C immediately. The virus can remain asymptomatic for years, which makes early detection critical.
Ongoing investigation and potential criminal liability
The Florida Ministry of Health continues to investigate whether additional patients have been infected and whether against Dr. Voepel should be pursued by criminal charges. In view of the severity of the violations, there are probably other disciplinary measures that go beyond the emergency restriction of their license.
Conclusion: A shocking violation of medical security
The results in this report draw a disturbing picture of negligence and systemic errors in the Dr. Voepel. Three confirmed hepatitis -c infections and the potential exposure of countless more patients underline the decisive importance of strict infection control in medical practices.
While Dr. Voepel has been restricted, the long -term effects of this outbreak remain unknown, and more patients could continue to be at risk. This case is a strong memory of the devastating consequences of medical negligence and the need for a strict supervision to protect public health.
What patients should do next
- If you are between March 2024 and February 2025 in the Dr. Voepel were treatedTemplate A Hepatitis -c -screening With your health service provider immediately.
- Report all concerns or symptoms to the Florida Ministry of Health at (850) 245-4444.
- In this case, stay up to date because additional legal measures can follow.
This is a developing story. The Space Coast rocket will continue to provide updates when new information has appeared.
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