AEGiS-UPI: China detains HIV carriers at border

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2000. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

China detains HIV carriers at border

United Press International - November 26, 2000
Kirk Troy

BEIJING, Nov. 27 (UPI) - Officials from China's Quarantine Bureau found 46 HIV carriers at border checkpoints in the first 10 months of the year, deporting foreign nationals and placing Chinese nationals with the disease in custody, state run media reported.

The report in the English language China Daily sited statistics from the Exit-Entry Inspection and Quarantine Bureau of southern Yunnan province, which borders Viet Nam, Laos and Burma.

The statistics showed that over 30,000 people were tested for the virus at different points along the border, which is nearly 3,000 miles long. The area, adjoining China to the notorious heroin producing "golden triangle", is also a known transit point for drug smugglers.

Foreigners entering China are always required to complete a quarantine form, which asks visitors to declare any number of symptoms and specific illnesses including HIV/AIDS. There is even a box to be checked for "Mental Psychosis" on the form.

Resident aliens in China are required to undergo a battery of medical tests before receiving their resident permits. Authorities check applicants for tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and heart disease before issuing the permit.

Chinese nationals testing positive for the virus that causes AIDS are regularly tested for heroin and other intravenous drugs. When patients test positive for illegal drugs they are normally refused regular medical treatment and sentenced to terms in labor camps.
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