At least 21 people sought medical care after undergoing glucose tests with shared needles during a science fair at Colégio Tamandaré, in Recreio dos Bandeirantes, this Saturday. A student used the same lancet, an instrument that pierces the skin to collect blood, on up to three people before replacing it.
Hospital Municipal Lourenço Jorge, in Barra da Tijuca, confirmed 18 appointments by the end of this Sunday morning. The school reported that three other people were treated in private healthcare. Nearly all participants in the tests were children, but there was at least one adult.
Parents reported fear and concern after the incident. A mother said her daughter came back from the hospital crying, afraid of having contracted some disease. Another stated that a guardian noticed the sharing of lancets and alerted the school administration.
According to the vice-principal of Tamandaré, Antonio Henrique, the instruction was for the student to only display the equipment during the science fair, and not use it on other people.
