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Thirty-two HIV infections were reported in the third quarter of 1998, bringing the cumulative total number of reported HIV cases to 1,098, the Department of Health (DH) announced today (Thursday).

Ten new AIDS cases were reported in the same quarter, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 359.

Of the 32 HIV infections reported, 24 were male patients and eight were female patients. Twenty-one acquired the infection via heterosexual contact and four via homosexual or bisexual contact.

The transmission routes for the remaining seven were undetermined.

For the cumulative total of 1,098 HIV cases reported, 82 per cent acquired the infection through sexual contact. Seventeen cases involved injecting drug users. Six babies were infected through mother-to-infant transmission.

DH monitors the HIV/AIDS situation through reporting systems and seroprevalence studies. Reports are released on a quarterly basis.

A hotline service (2780 2211) operated by the DH provides 24-hour recorded messages and individual telephone counseling from 8 am to 8 pm, Mondays to Fridays. HIV screening can be arranged when considered appropriate.

Members of the public can also seek HIV/AIDS information via DH's AIDS Unit website: http://www.info.gov.hk/aids.

End/Thursday, October 29, 1998

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