55 HIV cases recorded in GenSan

KORONADAL CITY, Philippines – At least 55 persons tested positive of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS, in General Santos City, a health official said yesterday.

Mely Lastimoso, head of the disease surveillance and hygiene unit of the city health office, said most of the HIV cases were young professionals who have multiple sex partners.

Lastimoso said only 50 percent of the patients seek medical help and avail themselves of free anti-retroviral drug (ARV), which help strengthen the immune system and prevent the spread of infection.