AEGiS-AP: HIV-positive blood sold in China; 3 dead

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

HIV-positive blood sold in China; 3 dead

Associated Press - December 3, 2005
Alexa Olesen, Associated Press Writer

BEIJING -- An HIV-positive man in northern China who sold his blood infected at least 18 others with the virus - including three who died - the government and state media said Saturday.

The man, identified only by his surname, Song, gave blood 15 times at a blood bank in Jilin province's Dehui city between January 2003 and June 2004, the official Xinhua News Agency reported.

China Youth Daily newspaper said Saturday that Song, 41, was unemployed and relied on selling blood for his income. Blood buying is banned in China but continues to be a problem.

The newspaper quoted Song as saying he did not know he was HIV-positive until being diagnosed in October, after officials in Jilin launched an investigation into blood-related infections.

The infected blood, apparently never tested, was given to 25 patients needing transfusions, Xinhua said. Eighteen of them contracted HIV and three died, Xinhua said.

Song, 41, also infected two sexual partners and the spouse of one of his sexual partners, the agency said.

The blood bank closed in July 2004 after it was taken over by the Dehui People's Hospital, Xinhua said.

Eleven officials, including the blood bank's former director and deputy director, have been detained and will be prosecuted, Xinhua said.

China says it has 840,000 people who are infected with HIV and 80,000 with full-blown AIDS.

HIV gained a foothold in China largely due to unsanitary blood plasma buying schemes and tainted transfusions in hospitals.
051203
AP051206

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, and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2005. 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, 2005. 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. .