CONCORD, N.H. (AP) -- The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services says a public health incident has been declared in the state in response to the hepatitis C outbreak caused by a former lab worker.

Officials say the declaration will allow the department to seek outside assistance for clinics that will be held to test more people for the disease.

David Kwiatkowski was charged last month with stealing drugs from Exeter Hospital's cardiac lab and contaminating syringes that were used on patients.

So far, 32 people have been infected with the disease.

After initially asking only cardiac lab patients to get tested, the state now recommends that some 3,300 people who underwent surgery or were admitted to the intensive care unit during Kwiatkowski's employment. Testing clinics start on Friday.