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Fifty-six people tested positive for the HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) antibody in the third quarter of 2003, bringing the cumulative total of reported HIV infections to 2,172, the Department of Health (DH) announced today (November 24).

Nine new AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) cases were reported in the same quarter. This brings to 650 the total number of confirmed AIDS cases reported since 1985.

The Senior Medical Officer (Special Preventive Programme) of DH, Dr Chan Kam-tim said, "HIV is spread through sexual contact (homosexual or heterosexual), needle-sharing among drug users and from infected mothers to their babies.

"Of the 56 new HIV cases reported, 24 acquired the infection via heterosexual contact, eight via homosexual or bisexual contact and six through intravenous drug use."

"The routes of transmission of the remaining 18 cases were undetermined due to inadequate data."

The 56 cases comprised 45 males and 11 females.

Dr Chan said, "Of the 2,172 cumulative total of HIV infections since 1984, around 80% have acquired the infection through sexual contact, of them 70% resulted from heterosexual transmission. Sixty-two infections occurred among intravenous drug users.

"The newly diagnosed cases for this quarter were reported by four major sources: public hospitals and clinics (24), private hospitals and clinics (12), Social Hygiene Clinics (5) and the Department of Health AIDS Counselling Service (6). The four sources have accounted for 43.2%, 22.9%, 15.5% and 13.5%, respectively, of all reported infections.

"Of the newly reported cases in this quarter, 32 (57.1%) have received care from the HIV specialist services of the Department of Health or the Hospital Authority; 69% of the reported cases in the first three quarters of 2003 have received these services where effective antiretroviral treatment is offered according to clinical indication.

"In this quarter, the most commonly presenting AIDS defining illness was Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, closely followed by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection," Mr Chan said.

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.

The public can request free, anonymous and confidential HIV counselling by calling DH's hotline (2780 2211). HIV antibody testing may also be arranged as appropriate through this hotline.

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 www.aids.gov.hk.

HIV is the cause of AIDS and, without treatment, half of those infected with the virus will progress to AIDS within 10 years.

Ends/Monday, November 24, 2003

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