Classes resume after China syringe attacks

Schools have reopened in western China’s Urumqi city after being closed for 10 days in the wake a spate of syringe attacks caused panic and protests in the streets.

Schools have reopened in western China’s Urumqi city after being closed for 10 days in the wake a spate of syringe attacks caused panic and protests in the streets.

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Local authorities closed the schools and imposed traffic controls in the city September 4 after mass demonstrations by tens thousands of Han Chinese against what they said was a government that could not guarantee their safety against the attacks.

All primary and middle school classes resumed on Monday, the official Xinhua News Agency said late last night.

More than 500 people complained of being stabbed by hypodermic needles, but only 171 people showed evidence of being pricked, and tests of samples from victims found evidence of infections transmitted, Xinhua said.

Qian Jun, head of the disease control and biological security office with the Academy of Military Medical Sciences, said there were no examples of toxic chemicals or the HIV virus. Around 250 victims have been checked and found to have no wounds or illnesses, it said.

Qian said that victims should be offered psychological counselling as many are still afraid of infections, according to Xinhua.

Urumqi General Hospital has arranged three psychological experts and opened four counselling hot lines, it said.