Drug-use HIV cases on rise

HIV infection through intravenous drug use is on the increase, although such patients still only account for two per cent of the total, acting Director of Health Dr Paul Saw said. More than 80 per cent of infections were related to sexual transmission. Dr Wong Ka-hing, Department of Health consultant physician, said engaging in sexual activity in Guangdong heightened the risk of infection. He said about 70 per cent of infections in Guangdong were related to drug injections. A total of 1,399 HIV infections were reported in the SAR up to the end of March, with 455 of them progressing to full-blown Aids.