Number of new HIV cases in Hong Kong third highest since reports began in 1980s
City also records 28 extra cases of Aids
Hong Kong recorded 188 new HIV cases in the second quarter of this year, the third highest count for three months since reporting began in 1984.
The Centre for Health Protection said while the 335 cases recorded in the first half of the year was down on the same period in 2015, reported cases might rise again in the coming six months with greater awareness of testing during festive periods.
“It is still hard to predict the number of cases for the entire year...but having 335 cases in the first six months is still considered a high figure,” said Dr Wong Ka-hing, consultant at the centre’s special prevention programme.
The 188 reported from April to June brought the city’s total number of cases to 8,053.
Sex was the main route of transmission, with 52 per cent of the new cases passed sexually from one man to another.
But for almost 30 per cent, the route was unknown. The usual rate for unknown sources is 17.2 per cent.
“Some cases might provide further information in the third quarter,” Wong said. “We are confident there will be more information of those unknown cases later.”
Meanwhile, 28 extra cases of Aids – the deadly condition which HIV carriers would develop in 10 years without treatment – were reported in the latest quarter, bringing the total number in the city to 1,700 since 1985.
Wong said people who have had unprotected sex should get tested and seek treatment as soon as possible.
On a recent case which an HIV-positive man sued a doctor for discrimination by cancelling and deferring his surgery sessions, Wong said HIV patients should be treated the same as other patients.
“A standard procedure against blood-borne diseases should be taken when taking care of both HIV patients and other people,” he said.
