Boys play with needles on playground: student tested for HIV, hepatitis and on anti-virals
Sylver McLaren - For the Abbotsford Times

Two Grade 3 boys were on their school's playground with little more to worry about than their free time running out before the Tuesday morning bell rang.

But that carefree feeling has dissolved now that one of the boys will have to endure blood tests, anti-viral medication and a long six-month wait to find out if he's been infected with a communicable disease from the poke of a dirty syringe.

When the Ten-Broeck students found the two used needles on their school's play area, one boy picked up the needles and jabbed the other in the shoulder.

The pierced student was taken to MSA General Hospital emergency by ambulance Tuesday morning, where his blood was tested for HIV and hepatitis B and C.

Shelley Nienhuis, Fraser Health communicable disease nurse co-ordinator, said when it is unknown who discarded the needle, preventative steps should be taken as if the needle is infectious.

Nienhuis said several factors determine the chance of contracting a disease. These include the type of virus left on the needle, the amount of virus in the person when they used the needle, the length of time the needle sat exposed after it was used and the type of contact.

"But it's more dependent on who used the needle and what their status was. A needle might be used by someone who has no communicable disease," said Nienhuis.

"I was devastated it happened," said Ten-Broeck Elementary School principal Jim Perry. "It's like your worst nightmare."

In his 11 years at the school, Perry said this is the first needle found in the playground and that this should be a wake-up call for the community and a concern for every parent.

"No school is immune - they are convenient for people who [inject drugs] and then leave their garbage behind," said Perry.

Abbotsford school superintendent Des McKay said school ground sweeps are standard practice. Parents and teachers warn children of the difference between good garbage and bad garbage, but children are not always aware of the connection between actions and consequences, he said.

At last week's school board meeting [Oct. 16], trustees agreed to resurrect the Drug Prevention Committee.

"I don't think there is any quick fixes here. It's such a complex problem," said McKay. He said the committee will look at ways that schools in Abbotsford can work in partnership with the city, police and mental health groups.

"Drugs is a major social issue [Canadians] are facing," McKay said.

Prevention through education should be taught as early as possible and empowering parents and the public as a whole with information about drugs, drug prevention and safety will help the community establish a united front regarding the issue, he said.

What to do if you find a needle:

A used needle may contain trace amounts of blood, which could carry HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C. The BC Centre for Disease Control suggests the following:

- Use tongs, pliers or a pair of sturdy gloves to pick up the item.

- Discard condoms in a plastic bag.

- Discard syringes or needles in a puncture-proof container. Any plastic or metal container with a lid, like a coffee can, will do. Do not place these containers in the recycling bin.

- Thoroughly wash hands with soap and warm water. In the event of needle prick by a dirty needle, follow these steps:

- Put the pricked area as low to the ground as possible to promote bleeding, do not squeeze. and go to the ER.

- Wash the area with soap and water.

- Do not soak the wound in bleach.

- Go to the nearest health unit or hospital emergency room immediately.

published on 10/27/2006