A.I.D.S. Patients Not Less Infectious, Experts Say (Press, 21 February 1987)

On 21 February 1987, the A.I.D.S. Advisory Committee in Wellington issued a statement contesting claims made by renowned scientist Dr Carlton Gajdusek regarding the transmission of the H.I.V. virus among individuals with A.I.D.S. Dr Gajdusek, a Nobel Prize winner, had suggested during a scientific congress in Palmerston North that individuals with full-blown A.I.D.S. posed a minimal risk of spreading the virus, implying that asymptomatic carriers were the primary infectious individuals. Dr Richard Meech, the chairman of the advisory committee, strongly refuted this assertion, stating that there is no evidence to support the idea that those with A.I.D.S. are less infectious than those without symptoms. Instead, he highlighted that individuals with A.I.D.S. may actually be more capable of transmitting H.I.V. The advisory committee expressed deep concern about the potential for Dr Gajdusek's claims to misinform the public and diminish essential precautions necessary for preventing the transmission of H.I.V. The committee emphasised the importance of healthcare workers taking precautions when dealing with the blood or bodily fluids of A.I.D.S. patients, as well as advising those patients' sexual partners. They also warned against sharing intravenous needles, which presents a significant risk for transmitting the virus. Dr David Cooper, an Australian A.I.D.S. expert, supported the committee's stance, categorically stating that it was "absolutely untrue" that patients with full-blown A.I.D.S. could not transmit the disease. He noted that while severely ill patients might be less likely to engage in activities that would spread the virus—such as sexual activity or sharing needles—the theoretical risk of transmission remained for all individuals infected with H.I.V. Cooper, who is the director of the National Health and Medical Research Clinic’s special A.I.D.S. epidemiology unit, reiterated that healthcare providers are at real risk of infection, particularly through needle-stick injuries when treating A.I.D.S. patients. The committee underscored the need for accurate information and public awareness surrounding A.I.D.S. and its transmission, particularly the importance of understanding that both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals can spread H.I.V. This correction was seen as critical in addressing misconceptions that may lead to increased risks of infection and societal stigma towards A.I.D.S. patients.

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