Recently, a European country witnessed a sharp but temporary reduction in acupuncture consultations, following reports in the press that contaminated acupuncture needles could transmit infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). There is a need to inform the public in a responsible way about acupuncture, as indeed about any aspect of health care, so as to avoid creating unnecessary fear or anxiety. Education of the public (and of journalists) is as important as the professional education of acupuncture practitioners.