Mexico City Metro ‘Punctures’: HIV Transmission Unlikely, Experts Say
A series of reported “punctures” on Mexico City’s public transportation system, including the Metro, Metrobús, Pumabús, and public thoroughfares, have prompted heightened security measures. While these incidents pose potential health risks, medical experts assert that the transmission of the Human immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) through this method is “highly unlikely.”
Security Response and Medical Protocols
In response to the 41 reported “punctures,” authorities have deployed undercover agents, police, and civil protection personnel to reinforce security. A comprehensive medical care protocol has also been established, offering toxicological exams and Prophylaxis against HIV for potential victims.
Did You Know?
The Mexico City government has reinforced security measures across its public transportation network in response to the reported incidents.
Expert Opinion on HIV Transmission
Nadine Gasman Zylbermannen, the capital’s secretary, addressed public concerns during a conference on May 2, stating, I want to be emphatic: it is indeed very unlikely that with this mechanism it can be transmitted, as the HIV virus remains active very little away from the body.
Pro Tip
If you experience a puncture incident, seek immediate medical attention for evaluation and appropriate care.
Why HIV transmission is Unlikely
Dr. Jaime Briseño Ramírez, an internist and infectologist, emphasized the rarity of HIV transmission through “pricks” in public settings. There is no case or contagion report through a ‘prick’ on the street,
he explained, noting that while sharing needles or contaminated materials can transmit HIV, very specific conditions are required.
The World Health Institution (WHO) also highlights that specific conditions are needed for HIV transmission. Dr. briseño Ramírez elaborated, The virus can last in the blood about six hours, in the plasma, and however, when he goes abroad, he loses 99% of his infectivity in minutes. So that does highly unlikely that someone has a needle saved with HIV and that walking peopel (to transmit it).
For HIV transmission to occur in this manner,high-risk conditions must be present,such as a hollow needle containing a fresh blood sample entering another person almost instantly.
Reader Question
What other health risks are associated with these “puncture” incidents?
Statistical Context of HIV Transmission in Mexico
Data from Mexico indicates that the primary mode of HIV transmission is sexual contact. The epidemic in HIV Mexico for 40 years is characterized in that 96.5% of cases are due to sexual transmission, only 1% have been classified under this risk of needles in health personnel (hospital risk) and 1.4% of mother to child transmissions,
explained Dr. Briseño Ramírez.
Other Potential Health Risks
While HIV transmission is unlikely, the “punctures” do pose a risk of skin infections, streptococci, staphylococci, and hepatitis B. Immediate medical attention is crucial for anyone who experiences such an incident.
