[guide.chat] chicken pox lollies on sale
- From: "vanessa" <qwerty1234567a@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: "GUIDE CHAT" <guide.chat@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 9 Nov 2011 11:45:57 -0000
US parents who reportedly buy mail order lollies infected with chickenpox to
try to help their children build up immunity from the virus are being warned
the practice could be dangerous.
The treats have apparently emerged following chickenpox "parties" - where
parents get their youngsters together with an infected child so they catch it,
in the belief it will strengthen their defences.
Such gatherings have become popular in recent years following health concerns
related to vaccinations.
But Jerry Martin, US attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, said he was
concerned by reports in Phoenix and Nashville of people going on Facebook to
find lollipops, saliva or other items from children who have chickenpox.
He said: "Can you imagine getting a package in the mail from this complete
stranger that you know from Facebook because you joined a group, and say,
'Here, drink this purported spit from some other kid?'"
Mr Martin said it was a federal crime to send diseases or viruses across state
lines in the post.
Sending snacks laced with chickenpox would be illegal under the same law that
makes it illegal to post infectious diseases such as anthrax. He said a
conviction could lead to a jail sentence between a few months and 20 years.
Some parents are worried about their children having vaccinations
Mr Martin said the items were sought by parents who do not want to give their
children vaccines. He said he could not confirm nor deny his office was
investigating or seeking charges against anyone.
Isaac Thomsen, a specialist in paediatric infectious diseases at Vanderbilt
Children's Hospital, said it was unlikely children would pick up chickenpox
from the items.
"If there's a very high load on the virus and shipped very quickly, it's
theoretically possible," he said.
"But it's probably not an effective way to transmit it. It typically has to be
inhaled."
However, Mr Thomsen warned that the lollipops could carry more dangerous
viruses, including hepatitis.
According to reports, parents have turned to a Facebook group called "Find a
Pox Party in Your Area" to link people looking to share the virus.
One of the Facebook postings from Wendy Werkit, of Nashville, offered a "fresh
batch of pox in Nashville. Shipping of suckers, spit and Q-tips available
tomorrow $50 via PayPal".
Ms Werkit told WSMV-TV in Nashville: "They can't get (chickenpox) the normal
way anymore by just naturally catching it and naturally getting the immunity
for life."
Vanessa The Google Girl.
Other related posts:
- » [guide.chat] chicken pox lollies on sale - vanessa
