At least six people tested positive for HIV after receiving transplanted organs infected in the Rio de Janeiro health system, officials said.

This news was published this Friday by the TV channel group and has been confirmed by the Ministry of Health and Rio health authorities.

“To date, we have confirmed that two donors have tested positive for HIV in the new test, and six recipients have also tested positive for HIV,” Health Minister Nicia Trindade Lima said in a video sent to the press.

According to the Rio de Janeiro Health Secretariat, an error occurred in two completed exams in a private laboratory Salemin a subdivision located in Nova Iguaçu, a municipality in the Rio agglomeration.

The laboratory was hired by the state Department of Health in December last year through a tender to operate the transplant program.

Salem’s laboratory is closed

Health authorities ordered the preventive closure of the Saleme laboratory in Rio de Janeiro, new tests of all materials originally approved by that laboratory and the transfer of these tests to the state laboratory of Gemorio, and an audit of the public health system.

According to the Ministry of Health, this is an “unprecedented situation” in Rio state’s transplant service, which has saved the lives of more than 16 thousand people since 2006.

Given the facts, the minister assured that all necessary assistance will be provided to the affected people and their families, and emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety, efficiency and quality of Brazil’s national transplant system, which she said is an “undisputed brand.” ” (EFE)