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Sixty-seven people tested positive for the HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) antibody in the first quarter of 2004, bringing the cumulative total of reported HIV infections to 2,311, the Department of Health (DH) announced today (May 25).
Seven new AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) cases were reported in the same quarter. This brings to 676 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 67 new HIV cases reported, 25 acquired the infection via heterosexual contact, 20 via homosexual or bisexual contact and four through intravenous drug use."
"The routes of transmission of the remaining 18 cases were undetermined due to inadequate data."
The 67 cases comprised 55 males and 12 females.
Dr Chan said, "The proportion of reported HIV infection in men having sex with men (MSM) has increased. There was a parallel increase in the utilisation of Social Hygiene Service by MSM for Sexually Transmitted Infection (STD) screening and HIV antibody testing.
"From the prevention point of view, the practice of safer sex is the most important message for both heterosexual and MSM. Condoms should be used during penetrative intercourse and the number of sex partners must be reduced.
"For those who have high risk behavior, they should attend the Government AIDS Unit, Social Hygiene Service and private clinics for HIV testing and counselling.
"Of the 2,311 cumulative total of HIV infections since 1984, around 79% have acquired the infection through sexual contact, of those 70% resulted from heterosexual transmission. Sixty-nine infections have occurred among injection drug users.
"The newly diagnosed cases for this quarter were reported by four major sources: public hospitals and clinics (32), private hospitals and clinics (11), Social Hygiene Clinics (13) and the Department of Health AIDS Counselling Service (6). Cumulatively, the four sources have accounted for 43.4%, 22.7%, 15.6% and 13.2% of all reported infections.
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 counseling 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 http://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/Tuesday, May 25, 2004
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