HIV cases up in Hong Kong in 2013
A total of 559 new cases of HIV infection were reported in Hong Kong in 2013, up from 513 cases reported in 2012, according to a Hong Kong CHP press release today.
Hong Kong Image/CIA
Dr Wong Ka-hing, Consultant (Special Preventive Programme) of the CHP said that sexual transmission remained the major mode of HIV transmission in Hong Kong.
The transmission breakdown is as follows:
295 HIV cases acquired the infection via homosexual or bisexual exposure and 137 via heterosexual contact. There were seven cases via drug injection and one case via blood or blood product transfusion outside Hong Kong. The routes of transmission of the remaining 119 cases had yet to be determined due to inadequate information.
The cumulative total of reported HIV infections since 1984 is now 6,342.
Dr Wong stressed the importance of proper use of condoms in reducing the risk of contracting HIV.
“HIV is the cause of AIDS and, without treatment, about half of the HIV-infected people will progress to AIDS within 10 years,” Dr Wong remarked.
“Members of the public with a history of unsafe sex should take an HIV test early. They can call the DH’s AIDS Hotline (2780 2211) for a free, anonymous and confidential HIV test,” Dr Wong said.
For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page and the Outbreak News This Week Radio Show page.
Looking for a job in health care? Check here to see what’s available
