“However, the possibility of other people’s open wounds or mucous membranes having been exposed to the [HIV-positive] person’s blood through the perpetrator’s weapon cannot be ruled out,” he said. As administering pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to these people can almost eliminate their HIV infection risk, the CDC has initiated a special program to assist them, Lo said. People who were wounded or came in contact with other people’s blood should call the CDC’s “1922” hotline, he said. The hotline would refer them to an infectious disease specialist to help them evaluate whether they need PrEP, he said. If needed, they should go to a hospital and get PrEP administered within the “golden hours” — 72 hours following exposure — to reduce their infection risk, he added.

Source: Taipei Times December 20, 2025 17:14 UTC