INTERIOR HEALTH REPORTS NO DECLINE IN NUMBER OF NEW HIV INFECTIONS

The Number Of New HIV Infections Discovered Each Year In The Interior
Health Region Is Not Getting Smaller.

Health officials say the rate of decline has stalled, after 22 new
cases of HIV were reported in Interior Health region in 2005, the
same number as 2004. Those numbers are part of a five-year trend that
shows the number of new infections identified each year remaining
relatively constant, after declining between 1996 and 2000.

"No new infections should be our ultimate goal, but the reality is
HIV is still a threat in our communities," said Dr. Robert Parker,
medical health officer with Interior Health. "We need to redouble our
efforts on prevention and education programs; not just to protect
against HIV/AIDS but against other blood-borne pathogens, such as
Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B."

In 2005, 11 new cases of HIV were identified in the Okanagan area,
bringing the total reported since 1996 to 100.

While rates have remained constant in Interior Health, prevention
efforts have kept them to the lowest annual rate of HIV infection in
all Health Authorities across the province.

Parker also notes that contrary to stereotypes, there are
approximately equal numbers of new infections among heterosexuals,
gay and bisexual men and those with a history of drug injection.

To protect against infection by HIV and other blood-borne and sexual
diseases, IH suggests:

- - using a new condom every time you have sex, even oral sex;

- - limit your number of sexual partners;

- - do not share injection needles, syringes or other injection equipment;

- - do not share razors or toothbrushes.

Anyone who thinks they may have HIV or AIDS or who thinks they may
have taken a risk when having sex or using drugs should see their
doctor or visit an STD clinic.