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The Department of Health today (December 14) urged people with a history of unprotected sex to have an HIV test.
The appeal was made after the detection of two clusters of HIV infections with similar gene sequencing affecting MSM (Men having sex with Men) and heterosexuals, suggesting the presence of a rapid and local HIV transmission in Hong Kong.
Consultant of the department's Special Preventive programme, Dr Wong Ka-hing, said investigations had so far revealed that these cases might be linked and they were likely caused by unprotected sex.
Dr Wong said the department's Public Health Laboratory Centre examined the gene sequences of most confirmed HIV positive blood specimens and found two separate clusters of HIV-1 subtype B infections.
The first cluster of HIV infection comprised 34 men aged between 22 and 54. Of them, 27 were Chinese. All these cases were reported between November, 2003, and September this year.
The second cluster comprised 12 Chinese males aged between 34 and 67. These cases were reported between May, 2004, and September, 2006.
Dr Wong explained that HIV was prone to mutate during replication, and as such the gene sequencing of HIV infection in different individuals varied.
"However, HIV infections between closely related individuals may present with similar gene sequencing. The detection of a cluster of HIV infection suggested the presence of a rapid and local HIV transmission among the affected people," he said.
Dr Wong said homosexual and bisexual contacts were the most common mode of transmission in these two clusters, which accounted for 71% in the first cluster and 83% in the second cluster.
"Heterosexual contact was the risk factor reported in 20.6% and 8.3% of these two clusters respectively," he said.
Dr Wong said against the background of an increase in reported HIV cases in recent years, the identification of these two clusters of infections signified that HIV was on the rise in Hong Kong.
"It is anticipated that the two clusters will continue to grow in numbers as more new HIV diagnoses are made and reported," he said.
Dr Wong reminded people having anal, oral or vaginal intercourse to use condoms to reduce the risk of HIV infection.
He urged people with a history of unsafe sex to go for an HIV test. They can call the department's AIDS Hotline 2780 2211 for a free, anonymous and confidential HIV test. Free HIV test is also provided at the department's Social Hygiene clinics.
Further information on HIV/AIDS can be obtained from the AIDS website (http://www.aids.gov.hk).
Ends/Thursday, December 14, 2006
Issued at HKT 12:20
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