DOH reports 16 new HIV cases

Sixteen new cases of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), which causes the deadly AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), were recorded for the month of March, the Department of Health said.

This brings to 1,850 the total number of HIV cases in the Philippines over the past 19 years, according to the DOH’s HIV/AIDS Registry.

Of the 16 new HIV cases, 11 were men aged 30 to 52, seven of whom were already symptomatic. Ten of the 16 cases contracted HIV through heterosexual contact, and the rest through homosexual sex.

Of the total 1,850 HIV cases in the Philippines, the DOH noted that 62 percent were men, 33 percent of whom were already full blown AIDS cases.

The DOH further revealed that 576 of AIDS cases were overseas Filipino workers, 223 of whom were seafarers. — Sheila Crisostomo