The sharing of needles during glucose tests at a science fair at Colégio Tamandaré, unit II, in Recreio dos Bandeirantes, in Rio de Janeiro, prompted a health alert. A student used the same lancet — the instrument that pierces the finger to collect blood — on up to three people during the activity held on Saturday.
The president of the Medical Union, Alexandre Telles, warned that sharing needles can transmit serious infections such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis. This was the reason authorities advised all participants of the tests to seek medical care for prophylactic treatment.
By the end of Sunday afternoon, at least 23 people had sought hospitals after the activity. Hospital Municipal Lourenço Jorge, in Barra da Tijuca, confirmed 20 related attendances, while the school reported that three other people were treated in the private health network.
