RUMORS ABOUT HIV-CONTAMINATED NEEDLES APPEAR TO BE WITHOUT BASIS

The Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta has not confirmed the presence of HIV in discarded needles found in theater seats, telephone and/or soda machine coin return areas.

"We have received inquiries about a variety of reports about used needles left by HIV-infected injection drug users," said a CDC spokesperson Tuesday.

But, the CDC, said the spokesperson, has not tested the needles. Nor has it confirmed the presence or absence of HIV in any sample related to these rumors.

The CDC, however, has received reports about improperly discarded needles and syringes.

A number of reports are making the rounds -- via fax, letters and/or telephone.

A fax was received by one Cape Girardeau plant recently, urging people to use caution in these situations.

It could not be determined where the fax originated. The American Public Community Council Inc., said a number of these "warnings" were being found, but with no origins.

The "warnings" say reports concern seats, and coin-return slots.

One of the stories making the rounds was that a lady stuck by one of the discarded needles found a note, saying: "you have been infected by HIV."

In answer to numerous questions concerning the reports, the CDC has issued a statement via internet.

"The majority of these reports appear to have no foundation," said the CDC Internet statement.

Several incidents have been investigated by local authorities, but no needle-stick injuries have been found.

Discarded needles are sometimes found in the community outside of health care settings, said the CDC statement. Persons who use insulin, or drug users, may occasionally discard the needles.

And, occasionally, certain workers -- sanitation workers, housekeeping staff, etc. -- may sustain needle-stick injuries involving the inappropriately discarded needles, say CDC spokesmen. "Needle-stick injuries can transfer blood and blood-born pathogens such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV, but the risk from discarded needles is low.

CDC does not recommend testing every discarded needle to assess the presence or absence of infectious agents in the discarded needles, but agrees that testing should be done on a case-by-case evaluation.

Any person who is injured from a needle stick, should contact a physician or go to an emergency room as soon as possible.

The injury should then be reported to the local or state authorities and the health department.