High school students left in limbo waiting for infection test results after being ‘jabbed’ by classmate

Students and parents have been left in limbo waiting for test results to come back after nearly a dozen students were jabbed with a used needle at a high school northwest of Brisbane.

At least 11 students had to be taken to hospital to begin infection testing after a terrifying incident at a South Burnett school where they were jabbed with a used needle by a fellow student.

It is understood at least 11 Murgon State High School students were jabbed by another student wielding a dirty needle throughout Monday, May 31 before the incident was brought to the school‘s attention and parents were informed.

A mother who spoke to NewsCorp, but did not wish to be named, said the school staff told her the student brought a “used blood test kit” from home and used it on several students at the school – including her 13-year-old son.

She said she received a call at 2.10pm to come to the school to take her son directly to Murgon Hospital, despite multiple paramedic crews at the scene.

“It happened at various stages throughout the day – one child was pricked during parade, one student was pricked more than once,” the mother said.

“Some were in the arm, some were in the thigh, others were on their hands.”

Students and parents have been left in limbo waiting for test results to come back after nearly a dozen students were jabbed with a used needle at a Burnett high school today. Photo: Megan Slade

A Queensland Department of Education spokeswoman confirmed an incident had taken place at Murgon State High School and Queensland Police were investigating.

“The Department of Education can confirm the Queensland Ambulance Service and the Queensland Police Service was called to assist with an incident involving a used blood test kit at the school,” the spokeswoman said.

“Affected students have received first aid treatment at school and all parents have been contacted.

“The school will continue to work closely with Queensland Health and follow their advice.”

The mother said she and her son and other families at the school feel like they are in “limbo” waiting to get results from infection screenings.

She said the hardest part was having to sit her son down and explain what the potential repercussions of the event could be.

“(When I got the call) I thought oh they’re giving out vaccinations – have they vaccinated my kid by accident because you don’t think that child is going to bring a needle to school and start jabbing kids,” she said.

“You talk to your kids about stranger danger and ‘don’t let people touch you and don’t get in a car with strangers’, but I guess one of the conversations you never have is don’t let somebody prick you with a needle because you could get really sick.

“It‘s not something you think to mention to your child.”

The mother also said that despite the school principal promising to speak to all parents involved in a school-wide email, she had not heard anything from since the initial phone call.

She praised the work of the Murgon Hospital who dealt with the number of students arriving “absolutely brilliantly”.

The Education Department spokeswoman said no further details could be provided due to student privacy issues.

“Parents have been encouraged to seek further medical testing of their children at their local GP or hospital as a precaution,” the spokeswoman said.

“The incident will be dealt with in line with the student Code of Conduct. Guidance and counselling is available for any student requiring support.”