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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health announced that 73 people tested positive for the HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) antibody in the second quarter of 2004, bringing the cumulative total of reported HIV infections to 2,384.

Thirteen new AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) cases were reported in the same quarter. Sixty-two per cent were related to heterosexual contact. This brings to 689 the total number of confirmed AIDS cases reported since 1985.

The Senior Medical Officer (Special Preventive Programme) Dr Chan Kam-tim today (August 31) said, "HIV is spread through sexual contact (homosexual or heterosexual), needle-sharing among drug users and from infected mothers to their babies.

"Of the 73 new HIV cases reported, 39 acquired the infection via heterosexual contact, 16 via homosexual or bisexual contact and four through intravenous drug use."

"The routes of transmission of the remaining 14 cases were undetermined due to inadequate data."

The 73 cases comprised 53 males and 20 females.

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

"Of the 2,384 cumulative total of HIV infections since 1984, around 79% have acquired the infection through sexual contact. Of those, 70% resulted from heterosexual transmission. Seventy-four infections have occurred among injection drug users.

"The newly diagnosed cases for this quarter were reported by four major sources: public hospitals and clinics (33), private hospitals and clinics (9), Social Hygiene Clinics (12) and the Department of Health AIDS Counselling Service (13). Cumulatively, the four sources have accounted for 43.4%, 22.4%, 15.6% and 13.3% of all reported infections.

"Of the newly reported cases in this quarter, 49 (67.1%) have received care at the HIV specialist services of the Department of Health or the Hospital Authority. Seventy-four per cent of the reported cases in 2003 have attended these services where effective antiretroviral treatment is offered according to clinical indication.

The Department of Health 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 AIDS 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 the Health Department's website on AIDS, www.aids.gov.hk. Other information can also be accessed on the website.

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, August 31, 2004

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