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Fifty persons were positive in HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) antibody tests in the second quarter of 2001, bringing the cumulative total number of reported HIV infections to 1 636, the Department of Health (DH) announced today (August 16).

Fifteen new AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) cases were reported in the same quarter. This brings to a total of 524 confirmed AIDS cases reported since 1985.

The Senior Medical Officer (Special Preventive Programme) of DH, Dr Wong Ka-hing, said: "Of the 50 new HIV cases reported, 31 acquired the infection via heterosexual contacts and 11 via homosexual contacts."

"One case involved an injecting drug user."

"The route of transmission of the remaining seven cases were undetermined due to inadequate data."

The 50 cases comprised 41 males and nine females, representing a ratio of 4.6 to 1."

The 15 new AIDS cases involved 11 males and four females. Eighty per cent got the infection through heterosexual contacts.

In this quarter, the most common presenting AIDS defining illness is still Pneumocystic Carinii Pneumonia, followed by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis infection.

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

Dr Wong 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. Other information can also be accessed from the Homepage. The address is http://www.info.gov.hk/aids

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

End/Thursday, August 16, 2001

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