Pubdate: Fri, 30 Aug 2002
Source: Evening Telegraph (UK)
Copyright: 2002 Northamptonshire Newspapers Limited
Contact:  http://www.northantsnew.co.uk/news/tele/index.asp
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2272

GIRLS' ANXIOUS WAIT AFTER NEEDLE ORDEAL

PARENTS OF two little girls face three months of worry waiting to see if 
they have been infected with disease after pricking themselves with a used 
hypodermic syringe found in the street.

Nicole Kelly, five, and her friend Chantelle Dallas, six, were playing in 
the street just yards from their homes in Tanfields Grove, Corby, when they 
found the syringe.

Thinking it must have belonged to a doctor or nurse, they both decided to 
prick their legs with it.

The next day Chantelle confessed to her mother Nicola Dallas what she and 
Nicole had done. Mrs Dallas immediately alerted Nicole's mum Annemarie 
Kelly. Both girls had blood tests yesterday.

Mrs Kelly, 31, said: "We went to the doctors straight away and he took 
blood tests.

"The girls will have to have another one in three months time to see of 
there' s any infection.

"At first I could not believe that she picked it up  " we have always 
warned all of them not to pick anything up in the street. It is just so 
frightening."

Both mums have been told hepatitis is the main concern. Mrs Dallas, 27, 
said: "We have now told all the kids in the street not to pick up anything 
from the ground."

Police and the council were alerted after the incident. A police spokesman 
said: "We would always advise people if they come across this type of item 
not to pick it up."
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MAP posted-by: Beth