24 people suspected of being infected with HIV after rescuing an accident victim

Because it was not known that a victim in a serious bus accident was infected with HIV, during the emergency and transportation process, 17 doctors and 7 people were suspected of being exposed to HIV.

On the afternoon of July 2, Mr. Dao Duy Khanh, Director of the Kon Tum Provincial Department of Health confirmed: "In the serious traffic accident between two passenger buses that occurred on Ho Chi Minh Road in Kon Tum Province on June 30, 17 medical staff and 7 residents were suspected of being exposed to HIV during the emergency and transport of an HIV-infected victim (who died) to the Dak Ha District Medical Center."

Accident scene.

Previously, the doctors, nurses and people participating in the emergency and transportation did not know that the victim was infected with HIV. It was only when the victim was brought to the Emergency Room of Dak Ha District Medical Center and was about to be taken to the morgue that the medical staff checked the patient's identification documents and accidentally discovered the patient's prescription for HIV treatment at the Provincial General Hospital.

"After receiving the above information, from noon on July 1, I directed the HIV Prevention Center and Dak Ha District Center to compile a list of people suspected of exposure to provide medication and apply preventive measures according to regulations. However, due to the lack of close coordination between the two units, initially the Dak Ha District Medical Center only counted and reported 17 medical staff; so after receiving feedback from the people, we immediately directed the provision of free ARV drugs to treat HIV exposure to the remaining 7 people suspected of exposure," Mr. Dao Duy Khanh affirmed.

On the afternoon of July 2, a representative of the Department of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, Ministry of Health, also issued a document requesting relevant units to urgently contact the Kon Tum Provincial Department of Health to guide the locality to conduct consultation, screening and provide ARV drugs to treat HIV exposure (free of charge) immediately to those involved in the emergency case of an HIV-infected person according to regulations.

At the same time, guide localities in sterilizing, handling, and burying infected people and related items according to regulations. Organize visits and encourage people and medical staff who actively and bravely participated in rescuing victims.

In addition, the Ministry of Health also requested the Department of Health and the Center for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control of Kon Tum province to immediately report the above incident in writing to the Department of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control; to promptly provide official information to the media.

According to the HIV/AIDS Prevention Department, exposure to HIV is a very common situation in daily life and not all cases of HIV exposure mean that a person is infected with HIV. HIV infection also depends on each specific behavior and the level of risk of those behaviors. In case of risk, post-exposure treatment is especially important, helping to limit the risk of HIV infection.

Post-exposure prophylaxis should be initiated as soon as possible in all individuals at risk of HIV infection, ideally within 72 hours. Use a daily three-drug regimen and 28 days of prophylaxis for all at-risk exposures. Discontinue when the source of exposure is confirmed to be HIV negative.

Patients suspected of being exposed to HIV will be monitored during and after treatment, such as monitoring and handling side effects of ARV; counseling and psychological support as well as re-testing for HIV after 3 months...

During this time, the exposed person needs to take measures to prevent infecting others. After 6 months of testing for HIV with a negative result, the exposed person can be assured that he or she has not been infected with HIV.

According to VNA