A total of 154 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 second quarter of 2018, bringing the cumulative total of reported HIV infections to 9 387 since 1984.
Reviewing the latest HIV/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) situation in Hong Kong at a press conference today (August 28), the Consultant (Special Preventive Programme) of the CHP, Dr Kenny Chan, said that sexual transmission remained the major mode of HIV transmission.
"HIV is the cause of AIDS and, without treatment, about half of those with HIV will progress to AIDS within 10 years. On the contrary, early HIV treatment prevents AIDS and significantly prolongs survival," he said, urging HIV-positive people to seek specialist care as soon as possible.
Dr Chan also stressed the importance of proper use of condoms in reducing the risk of contracting HIV. Men who have sex with men (MSM), who dominate the epidemic, are strongly urged to use a condom for safer sex.
Of the 154 HIV cases, 127 males and 27 females, reported in the above quarter, 77 acquired the infection via homosexual or bisexual contact, 38 via heterosexual contact. The routes of transmission of the remaining 39 cases have yet to be determined due to inadequate information.
The new cases were reported by three major sources: public hospitals and clinics (65 cases), the DH's Social Hygiene Clinics (28 cases) and AIDS service organisations (21 cases). Among them, 105 (69 per cent) have already received HIV specialist services at the DH or the Hospital Authority.
In addition, 40 new cases of AIDS were reported in the above quarter, bringing the total number of reported AIDS cases to 1 925 since 1985. Among the new cases, 55 per cent were attributed to homosexual or bisexual contact and 43 per cent were related to heterosexual contact.
In the above quarter, the most common AIDS-defining illness was Pneumocystis pneumonia, a kind of chest infection.
"Members of the public, particularly high-risk groups, should use the condom consistently and properly. Those with a history of unsafe sex should take an HIV antibody test early. People who inject drugs should avoid sharing needles with others and receive methadone treatment or other appropriate treatments as soon as possible," Dr Chan said.
The public can call the DH's AIDS Hotline (2780 2211) for a free, anonymous and confidential HIV antibody test. The public may visit 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), the Gay Men HIV Information website (www.21171069.com) and the Harm Reduction website (www.harmreduction.gov.hk) for more information on HIV/AIDS.
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