ARV treatment for learners pricked with needles
Twenty-eight learners at a primary school in Kempton Park are receiving antiretrovirals (ARVs) treatment after a learner brought syringes from home to school.
The Gauteng Education Department says the incident happened earlier this month.
"The Grade 4 learner allegedly brought the syringes from home. While she was in class, she and her friends wanted to experiment, as all children are inquisitive. They started the process of pricking each other. About 28 were then pricked. The school interacted with the parents of the affected children," says GDE spokesman Steve Mabona.
Medical practitioners advised that ARV treatment should be administered to all 28 learners as a precautionary measure.
"In an event those syringes were contaminated, doctors felt it is necessary to put the children on some treatment. Some children are responding negatively towards the medication. They are vomiting or have stomach aches." says Mabona.
The department is monitoring the situation closely and has offered professional help and support to the parents and learners.
A case of negligence has also been opened with the police against the owner of the syringes.
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