The Florida Department of Health in Brevard County has issued an urgent alert to patients who frequented Lily J. Voepel, MD, Interventional Pain Management in Melbourne, advising them to get tested for hepatitis C due to potential exposure at the clinic. This warning stretches back to anyone who received medical care at the establishment between June 2023 and March 2025, as reported by WFTV yesterday.
"Following a recent review of the facility’s practices, it was determined that proper infection control measures may not have been followed during medical care," stated the health department in a news release referred to by WFTV. A separate announcement from the Florida Department of Health posted by ClickOrlando underscores the seriousness of the situation, citing three confirmed cases of hepatitis C infections that have been directly linked to the clinic's procedures. The health risk posed by the virus, which can lead to liver failure and is primarily transmitted through contaminated blood, is exacerbated by its often asymptomatic nature in the early stages.
Dr. Lily J. Voepel, who operates the medical facility, has faced an emergency restriction on her medical license following the discovery of these hepatitis C cases. According to a report by Florida Today, the license limitation allows the office to still practice medicine but prohibits any procedures that could spread infectious diseases like hepatitis C. This comes after the suspicion of "unsterilized instruments and/or equipment during procedures at Dr. Li Jin Voepel's office."
The Department strongly advises all patients who patronized the clinic during the indicated period to converse with their health providers about the potential risks and need for hepatitis C and other bloodborne disease testing. Those who are directed by their healthcare providers to undergo testing can access services at DOH-Brevard’s Viera Clinic, with details of location and times provided in the notifications. "Hepatitis C often has no symptoms in its early stages, so testing is important for early detection" this emphasizes ClickOrlando, noting that, if left untreated the virus can cause serious complications, including liver damage and liver cancer.
The Florida Department of Health remains focused on the community's safety and well-being, working to inform individuals of the appropriate steps to take after the discovered lapses in infection control. For individuals concerned or seeking more information, additional resources and support are being provided by the health department as they navigate this concerning revelation and strive for early detection and treatment.
