HIV-Positive Nurse Puts Patients At Risk

SAN ANTONIO, Texas - A nurse at South Texas Regional Medical Center has caused a wave of panic.

Officials say HIV-positive nurse Jacqueline Fillingim injected herself with Demerol she stole from the facility. She then allegedly refilled the drug vials with saline. She reportedly used the same needle to inject herself and refill the vials, leaving the possibility of infection for whoever received the intended Demerol.

Officials at the hospital are working to revoke Fillingim's nursing license, while also rushing to contact an estimated 1,100 patients who may have received Demerol when the nurse is suspected of injecting herself. They report the contamination risk is slight, but they are asking patients to receive a blood test to be sure.

The nurse worked for the facility in south San Antonio from June 2001 to January. The state has reportedly been sent to the state Department of Public Safety and to federal agencies for review.

No charges have been filed to date.

Information from www.abcnews.com