Top doc warns of Veg Fest virus threat!

Doctors in Phuket, Thailand, are warning vegetarians at the annual Chinese Vegetarian Festival that piercing their faces with knives, axes, spades and beach umbrellas could expose them to health risks.Each year, health authorities warn devoted Buddhists that “Ma Song,” the ritualistic self-infliction of pain, could cause HIV/AIDS and hepatitis infections. And every year, adherents walk barefoot over smoldering coals, climb ladders with rungs made of knife blades and bathe in hot oil—all in pursuit of spiritual trance which will earn good luck for themselves and their neighbors.

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I've heard of getting HIV from sharing needles, but beach swords and beach umbrellas?

http://www.phuketgazette.net/news/printing.asp?Id=6834

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,432242,00.html

http://www.phuketvegetarian.com/index_eg.htm

Phuket’s Public Health chief doctor gives advice on healthy vegetarian participation.

The Phuket Public Health official advises vegetarian participants to choose food from clean restaurants or food stalls during the festival. The chief doctor Paisan Worasatis said beore the festival began his health officials had held workshops for restaurants and food stall operators plus Chinese shrine representatives to make sure they follow sanitation rules for food preparation. The chief doctor also said the Masong, who are believed to be mediums for god, are not allowed to share sharp objects which they use to pierce their bodies, in order to prevent any communicable diseases. Vegetarian participants are advised to select to buy or consume food which is warm and newly prepared for a healthy diet during the fest he concluded.

item---2--VDO on http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/prev...php?news_id=737

or

Andaman News NBT (VHF dial) + Radio Thailand FM90.5 at 8.30am & perhaps repeats on Phuket Cable TV channel 1 at 7pm & 1am, broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces & maybe Mazz Radio FM108 at 7pm in Phuket, Thursday 2nd October 2008 & http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/ & www.YouTube.com/AndamanNews.com

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