Camillus, NY -- A 46-year-old man was treated by ambulance personnel Tuesday after being stuck by a hypodermic needle left on a Centro bus in Camillus, authorities said. The man was stuck while riding a bus near Camillus Commons, 5301 W. Genesee St., said Camillus Police Chief Thomas Winn. As soon as the passenger reported the incident, the bus driver...
Camillus, NY -- A 46-year-old man was treated by ambulance personnel Tuesday after being stuck by a hypodermic needle left on a Centro bus in Camillus, authorities said.
The man was stuck while riding a bus near Camillus Commons, 5301 W. Genesee St., said Camillus Police Chief Thomas Winn.
As soon as the passenger reported the incident, the bus driver pulled over and called for police and an ambulance, said Centro spokesman Steve Koegel.
A Camillus officer responded at 10:41 a.m. and determined no criminal activity had occurred. It was unknown who left the needle on the bus, Winn said.
A WAVES ambulance crew treated the victim, who underwent tests to check for diseases he may have picked up from the needle.
The needle appeared to be used for diabetes treatment, Winn said. It was likely left on the bus accidentally.
The state Department of Health said such circumstances were rare. Spokesman Jeffrey Hammond said that needles are often used to self-inject drugs for treatment of diabetes, hepatitis B and C and HIV. They can also spread hepatitis C and HIV.
Disposal is "critically important" to protecting the health and safety of the individual and the environment, Hammond said.
Koegel said, as far as he knows, it's the first time someone has been stuck by a needle left on a Centro bus. Buses are cleaned and swept every night. Seat are checked for any debris, he said.
The victim's identity was not released.