HIV Cases at its Highest in May

The Department of Health announced that 415 new cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were reported last May.

This showed a 52% increase compared to the figures showed in 2012. This is also the highest number of cases reported in the Philippines.

According to the Philippine HIV and AIDS Registry spokesperson, the new cases reported are from there National Capital Region (NCR), Davao, Calabarzon, Central Luzon and Central Visayas.

Specifically, the highest reports are in Metro Manila, Calabarzon and Davao, a reporter said.

The new cases are classified as 96% males and 55% belonged to the groups aged between 20 and 29 years.

One of the most common causes of HIV was contracted through unprotected sex, predominantly due to male to male intercourse. Of the 415 new cases, 409 reported to have been contracted through unprotected sex.

At the time of reporting, a representative of the DOH said that 95% of the cases were still considered asymptomatic.

HIV is a type of virus that is known for causing Incurable Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a condition wherein the body's immune system is attacked and damaged, eventually leading to death.

From January to May this year, 65 deaths have already been reported, 60 of which are males.

The World Health Organization (WHO) provided new HIV treatment guidelines suggesting that anti-retroviral therapy be given immediately to patients suffering from the condition.

One study showed that the sooner the treatments are given, the more likely it is for a patient to have longer and healthier lives.

Early anti-retroviral therapies also help prevent HIV from spreading to other people.

When done consistently, this can help prevent three million deaths and reduce around 3.5 million new cases, a reporter said.