BOYS PLAY WITH NEEDLES ON PLAYGROUND: STUDENT TESTED FOR HIV,
HEPATITIS AND ON ANTI-VIRALS

Two Grade 3 boys were on their school's playground with little more
to worry about than their free time running out before the Tuesday
morning bell rang.

But that carefree feeling has dissolved now that one of the boys will
have to endure blood tests, anti-viral medication and a long
six-month wait to find out if he's been infected with a communicable
disease from the poke of a dirty syringe.

When the Ten-Broeck students found the two used needles on their
school's play area, one boy picked up the needles and jabbed the
other in the shoulder.

The pierced student was taken to MSA General Hospital emergency by
ambulance Tuesday morning, where his blood was tested for HIV and
hepatitis B and C.

Shelley Nienhuis, Fraser Health communicable disease nurse
co-ordinator, said when it is unknown who discarded the needle,
preventative steps should be taken as if the needle is infectious.

Nienhuis said several factors determine the chance of contracting a
disease. These include the type of virus left on the needle, the
amount of virus in the person when they used the needle, the length
of time the needle sat exposed after it was used and the type of contact.

"But it's more dependent on who used the needle and what their status
was. A needle might be used by someone who has no communicable
disease," said Nienhuis.

"I was devastated it happened," said Ten-Broeck Elementary School
principal Jim Perry. "It's like your worst nightmare."

In his 11 years at the school, Perry said this is the first needle
found in the playground and that this should be a wake-up call for
the community and a concern for every parent.

"No school is immune - they are convenient for people who [inject
drugs] and then leave their garbage behind," said Perry.

Abbotsford school superintendent Des McKay said school ground sweeps
are standard practice. Parents and teachers warn children of the
difference between good garbage and bad garbage, but children are not
always aware of the connection between actions and consequences, he said.

At last week's school board meeting [Oct. 16], trustees agreed to
resurrect the Drug Prevention Committee.

"I don't think there is any quick fixes here. It's such a complex
problem," said McKay. He said the committee will look at ways that
schools in Abbotsford can work in partnership with the city, police
and mental health groups.

"Drugs is a major social issue [Canadians] are facing," McKay said.

Prevention through education should be taught as early as possible
and empowering parents and the public as a whole with information
about drugs, drug prevention and safety will help the community
establish a united front regarding the issue, he said.

What to do if you find a needle:

A used needle may contain trace amounts of blood, which could carry
HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C. The BC Centre for Disease Control
suggests the following:

- - Use tongs, pliers or a pair of sturdy gloves to pick up the item.

- - Discard condoms in a plastic bag.

- - Discard syringes or needles in a puncture-proof container. Any
plastic or metal container with a lid, like a coffee can, will do. Do
not place these containers in the recycling bin.

- - Thoroughly wash hands with soap and warm water. In the event of
needle prick by a dirty needle, follow these steps:

- - Put the pricked area as low to the ground as possible to promote
bleeding, do not squeeze. and go to the ER.

- - Wash the area with soap and water.

- - Do not soak the wound in bleach.

- - Go to the nearest health unit or hospital emergency room immediately.