CHP reviews local HIV/AIDS situation in first quarter of 2020 (with photo)
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     A total of 129 additional cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection were reported to the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) in the first quarter of 2020, and sexual transmission remained the major mode of HIV transmission.

     Reviewing the latest HIV/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) situation in Hong Kong at a press conference today (May 26), the Consultant (Special Preventive Programme) of the CHP, Dr Kenny Chan, said that the cumulative total of reported HIV infections since 1984 was 10 409 and stressed the importance of consistent and proper use of condoms in reducing the risk of contracting HIV.

     "HIV is the cause of AIDS and, without treatment, about half of HIV-infected people will progress to AIDS within 10 years. On the contrary, early HIV treatment with antiretroviral drugs helps prevent AIDS and its complications. It also significantly improves the quality of life and prolongs the survival of those infected," Dr Chan remarked.

     "Members of the public with a history of unsafe sex should take an HIV antibody test early. They can call the DH's AIDS Hotline (2780 2211) for a free, anonymous and confidential HIV test. HIV-positive people should seek specialist care as soon as possible," he continued.

     Of the 129 HIV cases, involving 105 males and 24 females, reported in the above quarter, 57 acquired the infection via homosexual or bisexual contact and 34 via heterosexual contact. The routes of transmission of the remaining 38 cases have yet to be determined due to incomplete information upon notification.

     The new cases were mainly reported by three major sources: public hospitals, clinics and laboratories (69 cases); DH's Social Hygiene Clinics (19 cases) and the private hospitals, clinics and laboratories (15 cases). Also, 87 of the HIV-infected people (67 per cent) have already received HIV specialist services from the DH or the Hospital Authority.

     In addition, 22 new cases of AIDS were reported in this quarter, of which 12 cases (55 per cent) were attributed to homosexual or bisexual contact, eight cases (36 per cent) were related to heterosexual contact. The route of transmission of two cases (9 per cent) has yet to be determined due to incomplete information upon notification. Since 1985, a cumulative total of 2 140 confirmed AIDS cases have been reported in Hong Kong.

     In this quarter, the most common AIDS-defining illness was Pneumocystis pneumonia, a kind of chest infection.
   
     The public may visit the following pages for more information on HIV/AIDS: the DH's Virtual AIDS Office (www.aids.gov.hk), the Red Ribbon Centre (www.rrc.gov.hk), the AIDS Hotline website (www.27802211.com) and the Gay Men HIV Information website (www.21171069.gov.hk).

Ends/Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Issued at HKT 11:30

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