Monday, June 14, 2010

Crash helpers must get test for HIV immediately

2.40pm Wednesday 16 June 2010 - UPDATE
by Mel Maddison ABC News, Tropical (Mackay)
A Queensland Health spokeswoman says the four people who have made contact have been assessed as having no or a very low risk of infection .. . . . more

Original Story

Queensland Health has urged anyone who attended the serious traffic accident on Shute Harbour Road, Cannonvale, last Thursday evening to contact Proserpine Hospital to get tested for HIV immediately.

Queensland Health chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young said “In general, if an individual has been exposed to HIV, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can be taken after exposure to prevent infection. It must be taken within 72 hours of exposure, and this is called contact tracing,”

RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter arriving and departing - source Whitsunday WebCams

Whitsunday Police officers who attended did not come into contact with the person and therefore did not undergo testing.

The 36 year old man who died at the scene was a dual national (Australia - Mauritius) and was one of the top management people at Club Med, Lindeman Island. Staff and management at the resort are continuing to receive counselling.

Background story

Sources:
Queensland Health
Queensland Police Service
Mackay Daily Mercury
ABC Tropics

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