A total of 844 new cases of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), including nine pregnant women, were reported in January this year, the highest number since 1984, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
In effect, an average of 27 cases were reported every day that month.
“This was 5 percent higher compared to the same period last year, which had 804 cases,” the DOH said. The latest figure also topped the 841 cases recorded in June 2016.
HIV could lead to the fatal acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Out of the 844 cases, 90 developed into full-blown AIDS, based on the latest HIV/AIDS Registry of the Philippines. Thirty-three died from HIV/AIDS in January.
Ninety-six percent of the cases were males. More than half belonged to the 25-34 year age group while 31 percent were aged 15 to 24 years.
The report also showed that 38 females were diagnosed with HIV in January, including the nine pregnant women, seven of whom came from the National Capital Region, one from Region 1 and one from Region 7.
The regions with the most number of reported cases were NCR with 307 cases, Calabarzon with 151 cases, Central Luzon with 91 cases, Central Visayas with 62 cases, and Davao Region with 50 cases.
Majority of the new cases were transmitted sexually (826), including the 85 percent coming from the male-having-sex-with-male (MSM) sector.
Homosexual contact accounted for 469 cases, followed by bisexual contact with 245, and heterosexual contact with 112.
There were also 16 cases transmitted through sharing of infected needles among drug users. The last two cases were found to be mother-to-child transmissions of HIV.
A total of 65 overseas Filipino workers were also found to have acquired HIV, all by sexual contact.
Since 1984 HIV cases have risen to 40,466, including 3,755 full-blown AIDS cases, and 2,002 deaths.