HIV Rates Surge in Hong Kong as More Gay Men Indulge in Unsafe Sex

Hong Kong’s Department of Health announced today the city recorded its highest-ever annual number of HIV infections in 2007, with the virus spreading rapidly among gay men practicing unsafe sex. In 2007, the city posted 414 new HIV cases -- an 11 percent increase over 2006 -- while 17 new fully developed AIDS cases were logged, the department said. Of the 414 new HIV cases last year, 168 were linked to homosexual or bisexual sex among men, 103 from heterosexual exposure, 43 from drug use, and the rest undetermined. The surge of infections follows the discovery of clusters of cases originating from the same source, suggesting promiscuous gay men are meeting partners online and having unsafe sex, the department said. Hong Kong health officials say the worrying trend reflects a general increase in HIV infections among gay men across Asia.

Back to other news for February 2008