127 of 894 new HIV cases turn into AIDS

A total of 894 new cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were reported in November last year, according to the Department of Health.

Most of the cases were males (96 percent). Almost half (49 percent) of the cases were from the 25-34 year age group, while 32 percent were youth aged 15-24 years.

HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, the body’s natural defense system. Over time, it leads to the dreaded

acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Of the 894 new cases, 127 have developed into full-blown AIDS. There were 13 deaths from HIV/AIDS reported in November.

The regions with the highest number of cases last November were the National Capital Region with 303 cases, followed by Calabarzon, 164; Central Luzon, 94; Central Visayas, 63; and Davao region, 55.

Sexual contact remains the main mode of transmission with 863 cases, 90 percent of which are from the male-having-sex-with-male population.

Injecting drugs accounted for 16 new cases, with four cases of mother-to-child transmission.

A total of 72 overseas Filipino workers were also found to have acquired HIV/AIDS.

The figures brought to 10,111 the total number of HIV cases from January to November 2017, which included 1,277 AIDS cases. —TINA G. SANTOS