18-month-old HIV-positive girl dead

Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 25 (UNI) Putting an end to controversies about how she got infected with HIV, 18-month-old Reshmi, died today. She contracted AIDS, allegedly after a blood transfusion just two days after her birth at the SAT Hospital here.

After testing HIV positive, she was put under treatment. As her condition worsened she was admitted to the Medical College Hospital few days ago.

Immediately after her birth, an abnormal colour was noticed on the infant's skin. She was shifted to the SAT Hospital where she was administered blood transfusion.

Controversy arose following reports alleging that Reshmi after receiving blood transfusion from the hospital blood bank was tested HIV positive.

The Government had ordered a probe into the incident and had announced Rs 10,000 for her treatment.

However, Reshmi's mother, father and brother had been found to be HIV negative.

BJP leader Sushma Swaraj, during her visit to Kerala recently, had visited the girl and asked the Government to provide assistance for her treatment.

UNI CGV KVV OM BD2129