DOH reports 12 new HIV cases

The Department of Health (DOH) reported 12 new Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases last month, bringing the country’s total to 2,021 since 1984.

Two of the 12 cases, both aged 30, have developed full-blown Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). They claimed having contracted the virus through heterosexual contact.

Of the new cases, five were males and the rest females. Ten of them got HIV through sexual intercourse, while one contracted it through blood transfusion. The mode of transmission for the 12th case remains unknown.

Since 1984 when the DOH began its AIDS surveillance, 2,021 HIV-AIDS cases have been recorded, 651 of whom were overseas contract workers. Ninety-three percent of the cases got the HIV virus through sexual intercourse. — Sheila Crisostomo