An email in circulation warning of HIV-infected needles in public places was a hoax, the Australian Red Cross Blood Service (ARCBS) said today.
The email, which said infected needles had been found in a cinema seat and at an ATM, was sent illegally using a staff member's name and email address, spokeswoman Dr Philippa Hetzel said.
"This email is not from the blood service," she said.
"We have no knowledge of the alleged incidents described in the email occurring anywhere in Australia."
It was not the first instance of such a hoax, she said, but this particular email had become widespread.
The ARCBS said it did not circulate important public health and safety information via email to unknown individuals.
Dr Hetzel said that the Australian blood supply was one of the safest and most secure in the world.
