13-year-old vacationer in Davao City diagnosed with HIV

In this Dec. 1, 2013 file photo, volunteers of the Manila Red Cross Youth hold candles as they observe World AIDS Day in Manila, Philippines. AP

DAVAO CITY — A 13-year old girl, who has been vacationing here, became the latest to be diagnosed with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the city, a report from the city’s Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (RHWC) said.

HIV, a virus that attacks the body’s immune systems, leads to the fatal full-blown Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Gloria Serrano, a nurse at the RHWC, said the girl came from Baguio City.

“She is from Baguio City who is here for a vacation,” Serrano said.

The girl was diagnosed with HIV after her relatives brought her to the RHWC for a checkup due to rashes all over her body.

The details of how the girl contracted the virus were not disclosed.

The city has so far recorded 1,661 HIV cases since 1984.

Men who had sex with men (MSM) led the list with 845 cases, bisexuals with 584, and heterosexuals with 222.  SFM

HIV (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)