"Sell Plasma for $100"... Intentionally Infected with COVID-19 to Make Money?

Brigham Young University Warns "Immediate Suspension for Intentional Exposure"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] As rumors spread in the United States that some people are deliberately exposing themselves to COVID-19 to donate plasma, Brigham Young University in Idaho has warned students not to engage in such deviant behavior, even mentioning the possibility of expulsion.

According to a report by The Hill, a U.S. political news outlet, on the 13th (local time), Brigham Young University warned, "Students who intentionally expose themselves to COVID-19 for such purposes will be immediately suspended and may be permanently expelled."

Brigham Young University, USA. Photo by Brigham Young University Instagram capture.

The university stated, "We are very concerned about these rumors" and added, "We are actively looking for evidence of such behavior among our students."

As plasma containing antibodies from recovered COVID-19 patients is used to treat the disease, rumors have circulated that some individuals deliberately infect themselves to earn money by donating plasma. Brigham Young University has expressed its intention to identify and severely punish such cases.

COVID-19 Case Status at Brigham Young University. Photo by Brigham Young University Website.

Brigham Young University said, "COVID-19 infection and spread are not trivial matters. Reckless disregard for health and safety can lead to disease and loss of life in our community," and recommended that students involved in such behavior seek financial and mental health counseling.

The Hill reported that currently, 109 students and 22 faculty and staff members at Brigham Young University have officially tested positive for COVID-19.

The Hill, citing U.S. public radio NPR, explained that there are two places near Brigham Young University where plasma can be donated, with one location paying $100 (about 114,000 KRW) per donation, and the other paying $200 each for the first two donations.

Earlier, The New York Times (NYT) reported in May that blood from recovered COVID-19 patients is being sold for up to tens of millions of Korean won in the U.S. Some biotech companies are reportedly profiting by selling donated blood from recovered patients at high prices.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of plasma from recovered patients for emergency treatment of COVID-19.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.