Boy Bit by Peer With HIV in 1996 Sues School District
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A 5-year-old boy who was bitten by a classmate with the AIDS virus has sued the Santa Ana Unified School District.
The suit alleges that personnel at Harvey Elementary School knew the boy with the virus that causes AIDS had a tendency to bite but did not safeguard the children.
It also claims they waited three days to tell the plaintiff’s parents about the other child’s condition.
HIV is transmitted most commonly through blood or semen during sexual relations or the sharing of hypodermic needles. Medical experts have said the chances of contracting the virus through a human bite are extremely remote.
Nevertheless, the suit alleges the boy and his mother suffered emotional trauma because he has been tested repeatedly for the virus since the November 1996 incident.
Neither the boy’s lawyer, Russell S. Kerr, nor district officials could be reached for comment.
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