A Toms River hermatologist is being investigated by the state after an unusual number of his patients contracted hepatitis B.

Dr. Parves Dara is under investigation by the Ocean County Health Department because of five reported cases of hepatitis B infections linked to his office. Letters were sent to 2,800 of his patients by the state urging them to get tested for hepatitis and HIV.

Patients have reported unsanitary conditions at Dara's office. Dara's lawyer denies his client has anything to do with the infections.