380 new cases of HIV infections from Jan-Oct this year
Reuters file photo
SINGAPORE — There were 380 new cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections reported among Singapore residents in the first 10 months of this year, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) yesterday.
For the whole of last year, 456 new cases of HIV/AIDS were reported, said the ministry.
A further analysis of 144 of this year’s cases — which were reported within the first six months of 2015 — showed that 97 per cent of those infected were males, largely in line with the trend last year. More than half, or 54 per cent, of the affected individuals were aged between 30 and 49 years.
About 39 per cent of these individuals already had late-stage HIV infection when they were diagnosed — lower than last year’s 49 per cent.
Almost all of the 144 cases, or 98 per cent, acquired the virus through sexual intercourse, said the MOH. Heterosexual transmission accounted for 38 per cent of these cases, while 50 per cent were from homosexual transmission.
For the whole of last year, heterosexual transmission accounted for 47 per cent of the cases transmitted by sexual intercourse, while homosexual transmission made up 39.9 per cent.
About 42 per cent of the newly reported cases were detected by HIV tests conducted while the individuals concerned were receiving medical care. Another 30 per cent were detected during routine programmatic HIV screening, while 20 per cent were detected through voluntary HIV screening. The rest were detected through other types of screening.
According to the MOH, regular HIV testing can help an infected person to be diagnosed at an earlier stage of infection. It urges individuals at risk of HIV infection to go for regular testing.
“With early diagnosis, a HIV positive person can access care and treatment earlier, and also receive counselling on how to protect their partners from infection. With effective treatment, persons living with HIV can delay the onset of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and continue to lead an active and productive life,” the ministry said.
