October 23, 2008

Up to 50 St. Louis Students Possibly Exposed to HIV

Earlier this month, St. Louis County Health Department officials announced that they will offer HIV tests at Normandy High School after a public health inspection determined that some of its students may have been at risk for HIV infection. On October 22, however, officials said that the estimated number of students who may have been exposed to the virus may be as high as 50, the St. Louis Dispatch reports.

“It could well be substantially below that,” said Craig LeFebvre, spokesman for the St. Louis County Department of Health. “Just because you’re exposed doesn’t mean you contracted the disease.”

According to the article, the health department hopes to open an on-campus HIV testing clinic by the end of the week, and plans to offer free tests to each of the school’s 1,300 students.

The investigation stemmed from a single HIV diagnosis, which the health department traced to students at the school. Officials will not disclose whether the person who tested positive is a student at Normandy.

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Previous Comments:

Greg747, Patchogue, L.I., 2008-10-28 10:54:19
I have been following this story for over a week now and am VERY confused. Perhaps some intrepid reporter can find out exactly what is going on here...last time I checked, there were only a handful of ways to be exposed to HIV/AIDS... I find the reporting on this story too vague and possibly very damaging. Have we learned nothing in over 25 years? I don't doubt for a moment that teens are having sex; sadly, most of their parents are in total and complete denial.

Jose Luis, Bronx New York, 2008-10-28 10:14:44
What was the risk factor please!!!!!! Give the whole story, as a HIV Care provider, I want to know how does up to 50 people get exposed? Thanks!