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INDIA-HIV-BLOOD TRANSFUTION-PREGNANT WOMAN
Pregnant woman given HIV infected blood at gov’t hospital in India
NEW DELHI, Dec 26,2018- (BSS/Xinhua)–A 24-year-old pregnant woman in southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu was found infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) after infected blood was pumped into her during a blood transfusion at a government-run hospital, officials said on Wednesday.
The incident took place at a hospital in Sattur of Virudhunagar district, 541 km southwest of Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu.
“The woman was administered unscreened blood earlier this month after doctors found her anaemic and prescribed blood transfusion,” an official said.
Local authorities have suspended three lab technicians of government-run blood bank, for what is it described “horrific lapse”.
The transfusion of infected blood came to light on Tuesday only by chance, after the donor of the unscreened blood was made aware that he was HIV positive.
“The donor of blood a 21-year-old man discovered that he was HIV positive when he underwent a routine medical examination as part of a visa application process. After more blood tests and a confirmation of his condition, he immediately notified the doctors of a recent blood donation drive he had taken part in,” the official said.
“Health department officials were then informed, who traced the donated blood and found that it had been transfused to the pregnant woman,” the official added.
Health officials said the pregnant woman has been put on anti-retroviral treatment as a precaution.
Doctors say the condition of foetus would be known only after the delivery. Reports said the government has offered financial compensation and jobs for the woman and her husband.
The HIV is usually transmitted through sexual intercourse, infected blood and from an infected mother to the baby in her womb or through breastfeeding. Meanwhile, the health department has ordered an inspection of blood banks in all government and private hospitals in Virudhunagar district.
BSS/XINHUA/RQ/18:25HRS