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Forty-seven persons were found positive in HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) antibody tests in the second quarter of 2000, bringing the cumulative total number of reported HIV infections to 1 446, the Department of Health (DH) announced today (August 3).

Twenty new AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) cases were reported in the same quarter. This brings to a total of 475 confirmed AIDS cases reported since 1985.

The Senior Medical Officer (Special Preventive Programme) of DH, Dr Chan Ching-nin, addressing a Press Conference in the Red Ribbon Centre at Wang Tau Hom Jockey Club Clinic, said:"Of the 47 new HIV cases reported, 29 acquired the infection via heterosexual contacts and five via homosexual or bisexual contacts.

"Four cases involved injecting drug users. Another case was mother-to-child infection.

"The transmission routes of the remaining eight cases were undetermined due to inadequate data."

The 47 cases involved 34 males and 13 females, representing a ratio of 2.6 to 1.

Dr Chan said:"The 20 new AIDS cases involved 18 males and two females. Ninety per cent acquired the infection through heterosexual contacts."

DH monitors the HIV/AIDS situation through a voluntary reporting system. The first cases of the HIV and AIDS were reported in Hong Kong in 1984 and 1985 respectively.

Dr Chan said:"Members of the public can request for free, anonymous and confidential HIV tests by calling DH's AIDS hotline (2780 2211)."

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

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

End/Thursday, August 3, 2000

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