A man suffering from hepatitis C was charged with attempted murder yesterday after he allegedly spit on a nurse.
Andre LaFrance, 29, from Alaska was handed down the serious charge because of the contagious nature of his disease, authorities said.
Palmer state troopers said LaFrance 'intentionally transferred a dangerous bodily fluid' onto the female hospital employee at the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center.
Health concern: Hepatitis C sufferer Andre LaFrance, 29, from Alaska was charged with attempted murder after he spit on a nurse
LaFrance had reportedly been admitted to hospital claiming he had taken a drug overdose but medical staff determined he was fine and sanctioned his release.
It was then that matters turned ugly, with LaFrance not wanting to be released and claimed he was 'suicidal and wanted to hurt or kill himself', Alaska State Trooper Ryan Mattingley said.
Contagious: Hepatitis C is usually transferred by blood although there is a low chance of contacting the disease through saliva
He told the Anchorage Daily News: 'Staff were attempting to restrain him until troopers could arive. Andre stated he would spit on the staff if placed in restraints.'
Police said that LaFrance allegedly spit on the nurse when she tried to attach restraints to him knowing it could make her sick.
Although Hepatitis C is usually transferred by blood, there is a low chance of someone catching the virus through saliva. It is an infectious disease that can lead to liver damage.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control report that the virus is most often spread through intravenous drug use although some people have caught it through an infected blood transfusion and accidental needle sticks.
The attempted murder charge against LaFrance was later downgraded in court to third-degree assault. State records show the Wasilla man has a lengthy criminal history.
Corrections Sgt. Walter Erickson said LaFrance was 'very, very, unstable', and is currently under suicide watch.
Officers have said they are considering using a spit-hood on LaFrance if deemed necessary to maintain every caution he doesn't try to spit on authorities again.
LaFrance was also charged with harassment and bail has been set at $2,500 having been reduced from $50,000.
Famous sufferers of Hepatitis C include Pamela Anderson, Naomi Judd and Natalie Cole.
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