NEW ZEALAND AUTHORITIES BAN KISSING

NEW ZEALAND AUTHORITIES BAN KISSING

BAY OF PLENTY, N.Z. (Wireless Flash) – Anthrax spread by terrorists may be the big fear in the U.S., but New Zealand health officials are more worried about diseases transmitted by kissing. The country is experiencing a mini-epidemic of infections caused by a bacteria that’s spread by saliva. The bugs can cause aching joints, vomiting, tiny red spots and even blood poisoning and meningitis. Health authorities estimate one out of 10 New Zealanders have the “spit bacteria” and things have gotten so bad that public health officers are warning people not to share drinks food, joints or even kiss each other. However, one high school principal admits getting out the message to his students hasn’t been easy since sharing beers and “smokeable substances” is “still a common activity among adolescents.”

Mon 10-15-01