[Question #14135] Shared Indelible Voting Ink and Ear Scratch
|
3 hours ago
|
I would appreciate your opinion about a possible blood exposure.
On July 11, I voted in Malaysia. My index finger was dipped into a shared container of purple indelible voting ink (the indelible ink used during elections to mark voters). The container contained a sponge soaked with the ink, and voters queued up and dipped their fingers into the same sponge one after another. The voter before me had dipped their finger into the same sponge approximately 1-2 minutes earlier.
For the sake of discussion, please assume the worst-case scenario that the ink had somehow become contaminated with HIV-infected blood, although I have no evidence that this actually happened.
Over the next four days, until July 15, I repeatedly washed my hands with soap/shampoo and water, occasionally scrubbed the ink residue with toothpaste and a toothbrush, dried my hands with towels, and continued my normal daily activities. Although much of the ink gradually faded, some dry indelible ink residue remained on my fingertip throughout that time.
On July 15, I accidentally scratched the inside of my ear with that same fingertip, causing a small scratch that bled slightly. At the time, the only thing remaining on my fingertip was dry indelible voting ink residue. I never observed any wet blood or any other liquid on my finger- only dry purple/black residue.
1. Is there any risk of HIV , HCV, or syphilis from this event?
2. Does the small bleeding scratch inside ear change your assessment in any way?
3. Any testing or PEP needed because of this event?
4. Did washing hands with soap/shampoo and scrubbing the ink residue with toothpaste and a toothbrush make any difference, or would your assessment be the same even without those steps?
Thanks a lot!
|
3 hours ago
|
One additional question, if I may:
5. Based on this event, is it safe to continue having unprotected sex with my wife while we are trying to conceive, or is there any reason to avoid pregnancy or take any special precautions? Thank you again!
