Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1986. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Associated Press - August 25, 1986
"It's O.K.," he said, bounding off his school bus, when asked how he felt to be starting the school year in class for the first time in two years.
He said he was excited.
But some other students at Western Middle School expressed apprehension about his presence, even though scientists say acquired immune deficiency syydrome cannot be spread by casual contact.
"We've fought it and fought it, and it's over now," said a senior, Sabrina Johnson. "As long as he keeps his distance, he's O.K."
A year ago school officials barred Ryan from attending Western Middle School and he was forced to monitor classes from home by telephone. A restraining order obtained by parents of other students was thrown out April 10, and he returned to classes at the school, in nearby Russiaville, until the end of the term.
Certain Precautions Taken
Last Thursday Dr. Alan Adler, the Howard County Health Officer, cleared Ryan for school, saying that as long as certain precautions were taken he posed no threat to other students and staff.
The dean of students, Bill Narwold, who met with Ryan and his mother Thursday, said the youth had been assigned a separate bathroom and would be given disposable utensils in the cafeteria.
Scientists view such arrangements for AIDS patients as unnecessary, however, since the disease has been transmitted only through direct exchange of blood or semen.
Ryan, a hemophiliac, was diagnosed as having AIDS in December 1984. He contracted the deadly disease, which destroys the body's immunity system, through a transfusion of an infected blood product.
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