DOH sees significant rise in HIV cases since March 2014

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The Department of Health (DOH) is now alarmed about the incessant increase in the number of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases in the country this year, particularly in the month of March.

According to the nation's health agency, as of March 2014, almost 16 HIV cases were recorded per day -- the highest spike, so far.

Health Assistant Secretary Dr. Eric Tayag said that the organization has already logged a total of 498 HIV cases since March of the current year.

DOH has further noted that the number is more likely to rise in the following months.

In line with this, the health department is reminding the public to stay alert and cautious, especially those who are having multiple partners.

According to DOH, having multiple sex partners is the main reason behind the enormous surge in the number of HIV/AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) cases in the Philippines thus far.

Based on the HIV/AIDS data obtained by the country’s DOH, during the first three months of 2014, the total number of AIDS cases they have recorded already counts 1,432.

And since the year 1984, the number of Filipinos who got infected with HIV is 17,948 overall.

From the 498 new cases, 443 were accumulated from sexual contact, 54 due to needle sharing when using drugs and 1 mother to child transmission.

Eighty-one (81) percent of the total HIV/AIDS cases in the country is in the National Capital Region (NCR) while rest of the cases came from Regions 3, 7, 9 and Region 4A.

HIV eventually causes of AIDS. 

The infection results to breakdown of the immune system, causing people to become sick. The infection usually takes more than 10 years.

HIV symptoms may vary depending on its stage. Among the first symptoms of the infection are swollen glands in the throat, groin or armpit. Other symptoms of HIV would include headaches, fatigue, muscle aches and sligh fever. The symptoms could last for a few days. 

On the other hand, AIDS symptoms usually emerge in the later years of the infection, as it is already considered the most advanced stage of HIV.

Categories: Health