Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1985. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Associated Press - October 17, 1985
The letters dispatched this week also order the victims of acquired immune deficiency syndrome to avoid exposing others to AIDS through sharing needles or donating blood or plasma, and to caution physicians and dentists with whom they come into contact.
Dr. Courand Rothe, director of the health department, said his agency was working under the authority of the Texas Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Act, which allows controls on people who are health risks to the community. Violation of the warnings could result in third-degree felony charges, he said today.
Mayor Henry Cisneros has not commented directly on the letters, but he urged AIDS victims Wednesday to "transcend their individual rights so they can play roles as part of the larger society."
Jeffry Levi, political director of the National Gay Task Force, argued the letters would "stigmatize all people with AIDS and suggest that they would behave irresponsibly when there's no evidence that 99.9 percent of them are not behaving responsibly."
851017
AP851006
Copyright © 1985 - Associated Press. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the AP Permissions Desk.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1985. 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, 1985. 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. .