In a science experiment at a Tasmanian Dover District high school, a teacher took blood samples from grade 9 and 10 students using the same needle. They were testing blood pH levels. Now students are being tested for HIV infection. The needle was dipped in methylated spirits each time before pricking but authorities say this is not enough to prevent transmission of HIV and other viruses like Hepatitis B and C.
The incident with the needle occurred on 9th August but the health authorities were informed three weeks later. Now the 18 affected students and their families would have a six months wait as they have a series of tests to ensure they have not contracted the blood-borne viruses hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV.
Education Minister Lin Thorp expressed her indignation as she announced an investigation into the incident and questioned why it took so long to alert authorities. The incident was informed to the Tasmania's public health director Dr Roscoe Taylor on Tuesday last week, and Ms Thorp was only briefed late on Monday. Under the Public Health Act 1997 it is mandatory to report a blood-borne disease immediately to health officials.
One of the parents is seeking legal action. The Government could also face legal action if any student tests positive to a virus. Ms Thorp yesterday vowed to investigate the matter thoroughly and she said the State Government would pick up the bill for the tests on the students. Ms Thorp said, “I can't explain how strongly I feel about this, not only am I Education Minister but I am a teacher and primarily I am a parent and my heart goes out to the parents involved because they must be extremely concerned…I have asked the department for a detailed description of the event that has occurred and of course there will be consequences for that teacher, but it is too early to say what they will be.”
Dr Taylor urged all parents to ensure their children were tested. He said, “Quite simply this is an incident that should never have happened…Probably the risk of transmitting the virus between this particular age group of students is extremely low but we can't say it is zero…That delay was unacceptable and it should have been a case of the department [of education] recognizing this was a more critical incident and actually contacted us for some health advice earlier.”
The students and their families are offered counseling. The Tasmanian branch of the Australian Education Union did not make a comment yesterday but said it had been made aware of the incidents “some time ago”. Tasmanian Council of State School Parents and Friends president Jenny Grossmith said she had been in contact with the minister's office and was confident the incident was being dealt with appropriately.
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