"A National Scare"

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1991. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

"A National Scare"

MacLean's (12/16/91) Vol. 104, No. 50, P. 62
McLaughlin, Ann

Abstract: A Montreal doctor's comment last week that one of his female patients had died of AIDS two years ago and allegedly had sex with at least 50 National Hockey League players aroused fear in many Canadians. Dr. Clement Oliveir had casually mentioned it to a reporter, who then made the comment public. Olivier said, "I have had calls from all over Europe and the United States. I never expected a reaction like this, and I certainly never meant to launch an attack against professional sports." The comment has prompted debate over whether all league players should be tested for HIV because of concern that blood splattered during fights could infect a player. However, NHL President John Ziegler says confidential voluntary testing should be available, not required. NHL coaches defended the players, insisting that they are not as promiscuous as many believe. Olivier did not apologize for not disclosing the incident earlier because of his responsibility to protect patients' confidentiality.

911216
AD912234

Copyright © 1991 - Information, Inc., Bethesda, MD. The CDC National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention provides the following information as a public service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay media reports on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis does not constitute CDC endorsement. This daily update also includes information from CDC and other government agencies, such as background on Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles, fact sheets, press releases and announcements. Reproduction of this text is encouraged; however, copies may not be sold, and the CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News Update should be cited as the source of the information. Contact the sources of the articles abstracted below for full texts of the articles.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1991. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1991. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.