Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
The Associated Press - 17 Sep 95
The Rev. Michael Kennedy said he has contacted the woman in a London AIDS clinic. He reiterated his appeals for young men who had sex with her to see a doctor.
However, doubts remained about whether the priest had been misled.
He said from the pulpit a week ago that five terrified young men from this rural coastal district had come to him after having sex with the 25-year-old woman, and all had tested positive for the AIDS virus at clinics in England.
He said the woman spread AIDS in revenge against the boyfriend who gave it to her. He said she told him she had been involved with 60 to 80 men.
"She is very, very sick and barely, well she is just unable to talk," Kennedy told reporters Sunday. "But I have been able to keep her up to date and I have been trying to help her in any way I can."
His warning has been greeted with skepticism.
The population of Dungarvan in County Wexford is only 5,674, but no sufferers have been traced despite appeals from health authorities for them to come forward in confidence, and a media blitz from Britain.
Some experts say it was very unlikely that the woman could infect a large number of men in a short time.
According to the priest, she was raised in England, returned to her native Ireland after learning she had AIDS, and was in this area for about three months starting last November.
The 40-year-old priest is a cousin of the American Kennedy clan.
Copyright 1995/The Associated Press. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Permissions Desk, The Associated Press, 50 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020.
950917
AP950909
Copyright © 1995 - 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Always watch for outdated information.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 1995. 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, 1995. 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. .