Blood Bank Emergency In Peru After Four People Become Infected With HIV

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Main Category: Blood / Hematology
Also Included In: HIV / AIDS;  Liver Disease / Hepatitis;  Litigation / Medical Malpractice
Article Date: 14 Sep 2007 - 11:00 PDT

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Several blood banks in Peru have been shut down after four people became infected with HIV as a result of tainted blood transfusion. Peruvian authorities promised to carry out a comprehensive check of the 240 blood banks that span the country.

It is hoped the four infections are not just the tip of an iceberg. All of them were infected in the city of Callao, next to Lima, at the same hospital.

Peruvian authorities have urged people to carry on donating blood, insisting that the country's blood banks meet international standards. Health Minister Carlos Vallejos said the last thing the country needs is a panic "..what we must do is be more careful," he said.

One of the infected people, Mrs. Judith Rivera, is planning to sue for compensation. At a news conference she said that no price can be put on a human life. Mrs. Rivera's announcement triggered public alarm, especially when soon afterwards health officials said there were three more infected people - all as a result of blood transfusions. The youngest is less than one year old.

Despite reassurances from the authorities, PAHO (Pan American Health Organization) has mentioned that over 20% of the country's blood banks are not screened properly. The Hepatitis C virus has infected 30 patients at a dialysis treatment center, authorities have confirmed.

According to a Mexican newspaper El Financiero the Ministry of Health in Peru has declared a state of emergency in all the country's blood banks. At a press conference, Carlos Vallejo said "As from this moment, all blood banks in Peru will undergo an exhaustive evaluation."

Carlos Vallejo said a non-partisan commission has been formed to set up a national system for the provision of 'safe' blood.

José Fuentes-Rivera, who is in charge of the country's blood banks, reiterated in a press conference that the state of emergency will lead to a full inspection of every blood bank, ensuring that donation centers are operating, and that voluntary donations are encouraged.

According to El Financiero, under 4% of the country's donated blood comes from volunteers - the rest comes from patients' friends and family members, or paid donors.

Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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