6 kids get HIV during blood transfusion in Rajasthan

Six children suffering from thalassemia have reportedly contracted the human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) during blood transfusion in Rajasthan.

One of the children was diagnosed in Tonk, while the others were reported from Jodhpur. The medical and health department said an enquiry would be ordered.

Authorities at the Ummaid hospital in Jodhpur, where the cases were reported, suspect that the cases could be more. The blood screening system for HIV prescribed by the National AIDS Control Organisation (Naco) is not foolproof, Dr DR Dabi, hospital superintendent, said.

The incubation or window period required for detection of HIV virus in blood takes 12 weeks under the system prescribed by Naco.  
Even the latest technology of HIV detection takes at least seven days. Dr RND Purohit, director of the Rajasthan AIDS Control Society said he would study the cases of HIV infection reported from Jodhpur.