Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
BBC News - September 19, 2007
Katie Dawson, 19, from Strood, near Rochester, Kent, suffered two puncture wounds in the assault in Chatham.
"My greatest fear is that I could die because of these diseases that I might have through what happened," she said.
Her attacker was described as a female, aged between 16 and 19, who was accompanied by two men.
Ms Dawson was sitting on a bench with friends in the early hours of Saturday, in Railway Street in Chatham.
The group of three approached and were said to have been abusive towards them.
Wait for tests
Ms Dawson recalled: "I remember feeling a sharp pain, and I was stunned and thinking 'Why has she done it?'.
"It's going through my head that I might have HIV or hepatitis.
"I can't stop crying. I'm worried, scared, devastated - loads of emotions really."
But she will have to wait six weeks for a hepatitis screening and three months for an HIV test.
Hospital staff said she suffered "two small wounds that were consistent with needle punctures".
Det Con Dave Cooper said: "Kent Police are taking this matter very seriously due to the possibility of infection and potential fatal consequences for the victim."
Ms Dawson's attacker has been described as white, about 5ft 2in tall, with blonde shoulder-length hair, dark eyes, and a round face with a pointed jaw.
She was wearing cream or yellow-coloured clothing.
070919
BB070908
Copyright © 2007 - BBC. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the BBC.
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 UK, 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Always watch for outdated information.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 2007. 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, 2007. 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.
.