Most Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) – positive individuals in the province of Iloilo belonged to the 25-34 age group.
Based on data from the Department of Health (DOH-6), a total of 321 individuals aged 25-34 were infected with HIV.
The number of cases was recorded from January 1986 to March this year.
Two hundred thirty-two came from the 15-24 age bracket, 117 from the 35-49 age bracket, 16 from the 50-up age bracket, and one from the 15-below age bracket.
The town of Oton had the most number of HIV cases with 49, followed by Pavia, 45; Pototan, 36; Janiuay, 29; Santa Barbara, 29); Tigbauan, 29; Miagao, 28; Passi City, 28; Cabatuan, 26; and Barotac Nuevo, 23.
Overall, the province of Iloilo posted 687 cases as of March 2019.
According to the DOH-6, males having sex with other males was the predominant type of sexual transmission.
Other modes of transmission were sharing of needles among drug users and mother-to-child transmission.
HIV, “is a viral infection that attacks and slowly destroys the immune system of the infected person that leads to ‘immune deficiency,” the health department said.
It “may lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS, a condition in which the body’s immune systems are attacked and damaged by the virus, ultimately leading to death.”
The DOH-6 urged everyone to get tested for HIV.
It said those who tested positive for HIV can avail of free treatment, care, and support services.IMT
