Nagpur: 4 kids found HIV positive after blood transfusion, 1 dies

Four children in Nagpur became Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection positive, allegedly after blood transfusion, said officials on Thursday.

These four patients were given blood for the treatment of Thalassemia, post which they were found infected.

Taking the matter into consideration, the state health department set up a high-level inquiry.

"Four children have been infected with HIV, out of which one child has died. We will collect all the information and take action against the culprits after conducting a high level investigation," said Assistant Deputy Director of Health Department Dr R K Dhakate.

He said the Food and Drugs Department (FDA) has also started preliminary investigation in the case.

"(FDA) has also started preliminary investigation in this case. Nucleic Acid Test (NAT) test of blood given to Thalassemia patients would be done soon. The doctor treating these patients said tainted blood was supplied to patients.

"They were tested during treatment and found HIV infected. Allegedly, they were infected with HIV and Hepatitis B after the contaminated blood was given to them by the blood bank. It is necessary to have NAT test of blood given to the children suffering from Thalassemia, but due to non-availability of this facility in the blood bank, the children became victims of HIV infection," said Dr Vicky Rughwani.

Earlier, five Thalassemic children were infected by Hepatitis C while two children were reportedly infected with Hepatitis B.

Further details are awaited.