LAS VEGAS -- The Southern Nevada Health District announced it is notifying approximately 40,000 patients of a Las Vegas medical clinic about potential exposure to hepatitis C following an investigation of several acute cases of the illness.

Patients who had procedures requiring injected anesthesia at the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada, at 700 Shadow Lane, Las Vegas, will begin to receive letters this week.

The health district's notification includes patients who had procedures at the clinic between March 2004, and this past January and recommends they contact their primary care physicians or health care providers to get tested for hepatitis C, as well as hepatitis B and HIV.

The Southern Nevada Health District can be called at 702-759-4636, for further information.