Parents told not to seek tainted lollipops

ERIK SCHELZIG; The Associated Press • Published November 05, 2011 Modified November 04, 2011

0 comments

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Parents fearful of vaccinations are being warned by a federal prosecutor that making a deal with a stranger who promises to mail them lollipops licked by children with chickenpox isn’t just a bad idea, it’s against the law.

Jerry Martin, U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, said he was spurred by reports this week by KPHO-TV in Phoenix and WSMV-TV in Nashville about people turning to Facebook to find lollipops, spit or other items from children who have chickenpox.

“Can you imagine getting a package in the mail from this complete stranger that you know from Facebook because you joined a group, and say here, drink this purported spit from some other kid?” Martin said.

Isaac Thomsen, a specialist in pediatric infectious diseases at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, said it’s unlikely the items will succeed in giving other children chickenpox.

“If there’s a very high load on the virus and shipped very quickly, it’s theoretically possible,” he said.

Similar stories:

Anti-vaccine movement grows in many states

Anti-vaccine movement grows in many states

ATLANTA — A rising number of parents in more than half of states are opting out of school shots for their kids. And in eight states, more than 1 in 20 public school kindergartners do not get all the vaccines required for attendance, an Associated Press analysis found.
AP source: Britney Spears in as 'X Factor' judge

AP source: Britney Spears in as 'X Factor' judge

Britney Spears is coming to the rescue of Fox's "The X Factor," the singing contest in search of a ratings boost.
Report: Recession still weighs heavily on children

Report: Recession still weighs heavily on children

A report released today by the Children’s Alliance says nearly four in 10 Washington children live in low-income homes and that the rate of unemployed parents has doubled during the Great Recession.

Today is the fifth day of a 30-day special session of the Legislature called to bridge a new $2 billion budget gap brought about by a slower-than-expected economic recovery.
Northwest Trek program connects tots to nature

Northwest Trek program connects tots to nature

Northwest Trek will kick off on May 12 a new series of hands-on programs that will help small children develop an interest in the outdoors. The New to Nature program will help parents teach kids ages 3-5 about the environment.
Kids envision garden, playground at well

Kids envision garden, playground at well

OLYMPIA — Students from Lincoln Elementary descended on the artesian well Wednesday afternoon to learn more about the downtown landmark, which is undergoing a renovation, and to make suggestions on how to further improve it.