Prosecutors say a traveling hospital technician who infected patients in Kansas and other states with hepatitis C through tainted syringes created a “national public health crisis” and should spend 40 years in prison.

David Kwiatkowski has admitted stealing painkillers and replacing them with saline-filled syringes tainted with his blood.

Defense attorneys argue he should get 30 years instead, in part because of a drug addiction that clouded his judgment. He’ll be sentenced Monday.

Kwiatkowski worked at the Hays Medical Center from May 24 to Sept. 22, 2010.

Forty-six people were infected in four states including six here in Kansas.