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Hiv Schoolgirl, 15, Gives Birth

Snowbaby

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A 15-year-old schoolgirl who only found she had HIV when she became pregnant has given birth at a hospital in Swansea, it has emerged.

The girl, who has not been named, had no idea she had the disease until she was screened at an ante-natal clinic.

Doctors were able to treat her and the baby has so far tested negative but needs another test in three months.

Campaigners said the case highlighted a growing HIV problem among heterosexuals in Wales, especially the young.

The new mother, thought to have had only two sexual partners, was infected by an older man who was also the baby's father.

Swansea's Singleton Hospital, in common with many throughout the UK, routinely offers the test to all pregnant women who give birth there.

HIV consultant Kathir Yoganathan, said the girl's case was "shocking".

He added: "If she hadn't become pregnant she would not have known that she was HIV positive. In young people it takes 10 to 15 years before symptoms appear.

"If we know that a woman is HIV positive before the baby is born there is a very high chance - 99% - that the child will be OK."

The girl was given anti-retroviral drugs, advised not to breast feed and the baby was delivered by caesarean section.

Of the young mother, Mr Yoganathan said: "She may not need treatment for some time yet.

"HIV is a terrible disease, one which needs life-long treatment, but people can live a normal life span.

"The sad thing is that there are still people who know they are at risk and refuse to accept it and get tested."

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This is so very sad. She is so young to be facing this
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