A man in northern Illinois is facing charges over an attempt to give a police officer HIV by biting him in the leg.
HIV-Positive Christopher Seerden Tried To Bite Police Officer
Police said that the incident happened in June when police went to the home of Christopher Seerden for a well-being check.
Criminal complaints filed in McHenry County court claimed that the 37-year-old kicked and swung at one officer. After announcing he had AIDS, Seerden asked another officer if he wanted to have AIDS before biting him in the leg.
The police officer Seerden bit was, fortunately, wearing several layers of clothing so the bite did not break his skin or leave a mark. Cary Police Deputy Chief Jim Fillmore said that Seerden was taken to a hospital after the altercation.
The police, however, later found out that Seerden is indeed HIV positive after they received copies of his medical records On Oct. 7. Seerden now faces charges of transmitting HIV with body fluid, aggravated assault of a peace officer, and aggravated battery to a peace officer.
He was arrested on Wednesday and remained at the county jail on Friday evening on a $40,000 bond. He is due to appear in court on Dec. 14.
It is illegal in Illinois for people who are aware they have HIV to have unprotected sex, intentionally exchange non-sterile drug paraphernalia, and transfer bodily fluids like blood.
How HIV Is Transmitted
HIV is commonly spread by anal or vaginal sex with someone who has HIV without using a condom or taking medicines that prevent or treat the virus.
It also spreads through the sharing of equipment such as needles or syringes that were used by someone who has HIV. The AIDS-causing virus can thrive in used needle up to 42 days depending on temperature and other factors.
HIV can likewise be transmitted by eating food pre-chewed by HIV patients, being bitten by someone infected with the virus, or contact between wounds, broken skins, or blood-contaminated body fluids.
"Each of the very small number of documented cases has involved severe trauma with extensive tissue damage and the presence of blood," the CDC said. "There is no risk of transmission if the skin is not broken."
No cure is currently available for individuals infected with the HIV virus.
