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Sixty-three persons were found to be positive for the HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) antibody test in the second quarter of 1999, bringing the cumulative total number of reported HIV infections to 1 255, the Department of Health (DH) announced today (Thursday).

Nineteen new AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) cases were reported in the same Quarter. This brings to a total of 409 confirmed AIDS cases since 1985.

HIV is the cause of AIDS and half of the HIV-infected will progress to AIDS in 10 years' time if without treatment.

A spokesman for DH said: "Of the 63 new HIV infections, 32 were sexually acquired with heterosexual contact which remains the major route of transmission. Fourteen of them admitted themselves to be homosexuals or bisexuals.

"Two mother-to-child infections were also diagnosed. Another three were injecting drug users. One was infused HIV contaminated blood product before 1985.

"As for the remaining 11 cases, the information available was inadequate for classification."

For the second quarter, the ratio of reported male to female HIV infections was 6 to 1.

Members of the public can call DH's AIDS Hotline (2780 2211) for counselling, HIV testing, clinical treatment and general information on AIDS.

Reported data on HIV/AIDS are also released on a quarterly basis and can be viewed on DH's Homepage on AIDS. The website address is http://www.info.gov.hk/aids.

End/Thursday, August 5, 1999

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