AIDS ATTACK USING SYRINGE IN MALAYSIA, FIRST 72 HOURS IS CRITICAL

What To Do If You’re Pricked By A Syringe: Act Fast Within 72 Hours

Needle-stick incidents or syringe attacks are not just scary—they can carry serious health risks, including HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Many people underestimate how critical the first few minutes after exposure are. Acting quickly can make the difference between staying safe or facing long-term health complications.

Medical experts emphasise that time is of the essence. Immediate action can reduce the risk of infection and give healthcare professionals the best chance to protect your health.

If you or someone nearby is jabbed by a needle or comes into contact with suspicious fluid, there are clear steps to follow to limit harm.

Immediate Steps After a Syringe Jab

First, stop any ongoing activity and tend to the affected area immediately. Wash the area with running water and soap for at least five minutes. If the exposure is in the eyes, rinse thoroughly with clean water or saline for at least 15 minutes.

Avoid squeezing the wound excessively; allow a small amount of blood to flow naturally. Reporting the incident to authorities or your workplace supervisor is also crucial. These steps help medical professionals provide timely treatment and assess any risk of infection.

Doctors may recommend Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), a 28-day antiretroviral treatment that prevents HIV from multiplying in the body. PEP is only effective if started within 72 hours, so speed is vital. Follow-up blood tests at six, 12, and 24 weeks are also recommended to detect any delayed infections.

Why This Advice Is Making Headlines

These safety measures have gained attention following a shocking syringe attack in Putrajaya last Tuesday (Aug 12). The son of former PKR Deputy President, Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, was allegedly jabbed with a syringe while leaving a shopping mall with his mother.

The incident reportedly occurred around 1:45 pm, when an unknown assailant pulled him from their car and jabbed him. Police investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the attack.

Rafizi explained that preliminary checks showed two men on a motorcycle, dressed in black and wearing full-face helmets, had been following his wife’s car. “They waited for the right moment before acting. In all my years as a public-profile politician, this is the first time my family has been the target of such an attack,” he said.

Stay Safe and Know Your Options

While such incidents are rare, they highlight the importance of knowing how to respond quickly. Everyone should be aware of the correct steps to take after potential exposure to a syringe, especially in public spaces.

Following proper hygiene practices, reporting the incident immediately, and seeking medical care within the 72-hour window can dramatically reduce the risk of serious infection.

Authorities continue to investigate the Putrajaya incident, and the public is reminded to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures in crowded areas or unfamiliar surroundings.