State regulators upheld the suspension of a Toms River doctor linked to a hepatitis B outbreak.

Dr. Parvez Dara's license to practice medicine was suspended last week by the state Board of Medical Examiners after five of his patients tested positive for hepatitis B. During Wednesday's hearing, Dara's attorney tried to convince regulators there was not enough evidence the patients contracted the virus at the doctor's office.

The doctor's attorney says he will continue to appeal the suspension. As long as Dara is suspended, he cannot treat or hold consultation with any patients and his office must remain shut.

Investigators have alerted about 2,800 of Dara's patients to the probe and have recommended getting tested for hepatitis B. Results of those tests should be coming back this week.