The Medical Officer of Health in Rotorua is warning intravenous drug users to dispose of their needles properly after two children were pricked by needles while playing in a city park.
Phil Shoemack says the children were taken to hospital and given pre-made antibodies to protect them against hepatitis. He says needles being discarded by drug users is not uncommon in parks and people need to be careful.
Doctor Shoemack says drug users must dispose of used needles safely by returning them to approved needle exchange outlets. He says drug users have a social responsibility to not leave dirty needles and syringes lying around in public places.
The Ministry of Health's needle and syringe exchange programme co-ordinator says many drug users are scared to return dirty needles, even though it is legal to exchange them through the programme.
Simon Nimmo says drug users find it easier to dispose of needles and syringes rather than face the hassle of possibly being arrested when they return them to an exchange.
Nimmo says that while most charges are dropped, around 200 a year are prosecuted for possession of needles and syringes.
