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Seventy-four persons were positive in HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) antibody tests in the fourth quarter of 2002, bringing the cumulative total number of reported HIV infections in Hong Kong to 2 015, the Department of Health (DH) announced today (January 27).
Ten new AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) cases were reported in the same quarter. This brings to a total of 613 confirmed AIDS cases reported since 1985.
The Consultant (Special Preventive Programme)of DH, Dr S S Lee said,"HIV is spread through the main routes of sex (homosexual or heterosexual contact), needle-sharing among injection drug users and from infected mothers to their babies.
"Of the 74 new HIV cases reported, 39 acquired the infection via heterosexual contacts and 15 via homosexual or bisexual contacts. Two cases involved injection drug users.
"The route of transmission of the remaining 18 cases were undetermined due to inadequate data."
The 74 cases comprised 55 males and 19 females.
Dr Lee said, "Of the 2 015 cumulative total of HIV infections since 1984, around 81 per cent of all have acquired the infection through sexual contact, with about 71 per cent of them through heterosexual transmission. Fifty-four infections have occurred among injection drug users.
"The ten new AIDS cases involved five males and five females. Sixty per cent of them were related to heterosexual contact."
"In the fourth quarter, the most common presenting AIDS defining illness was Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, closely 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 1984 and 1985 respectively.
Dr Lee said, "Members of the public can request for free, anonymous and confidential HIV counselling by calling DH's AIDS Hotline (2780 2211). HIV antibody testing may also be arranged as appropriately through this hotline.
Data on HIV/AIDS are released on a quarterly basis and can be viewed on DH's Hompage on AIDS. Other information can also be accessed from the Homepage. The address is http://www.aids.gov.hk.
HIV is the cause of AIDS and half of the HIV-infected people will progress to AIDS in 10 years' time if without treatment.
End/Monday, January 27, 2003
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