HIV CASES UP IN CITY

Alarm bells continue to ring in Prince George with the number of HIV
cases now totalling 25.

Mary Lea Penrose, public health nurse at the Northern Interior Health
Unit, said 11 new infections have been reported this year, adding to
14 existing cases. Of the total, 19 are males and six are females.

"The tests have all taken place in Prince George, and all but four
live in the city," said Penrose. "Our concern is that a number of
people out there may be at significant risk, but have not been treated."

People with risky lifestyles which include unprotected sex with more
than one partner, IV drug use and sharing of needles should be tested
and looking at measures to prevent future exposure, Penrose said.

New infections often show up among those who are, or have been, IV
drug users, and as numbers increase, there's a greater chance of HIV
spreading among the population who are not IV drug users.

"The message to the public is that early identification can lead to an
improved outcome when the infection is managed early," said Penrose.

Last November, Penrose referred to the rising numbers of cases,
reaching 15 at that time, as a "mini-epidemic."

She said the "nature of drug users is that people make mistakes under
the influence of drugs and that can mean a sharing of unclean needles.
It's good that Prince George offers a needle exchange six days a week.
Otherwise our numbers could be much higher," she said at the time.

Now the needle exchange is open seven days a week, Penrose said
Thursday.

Charlene Dingwall, executive director of Positive Living North
(formerly AIDS Prince George), said "We're really concerned. We're
seeing an increase in infections and deaths. The public has a
perception that HIV is under control, but it's far from that."

She said although the B.C. government has a five-year strategy to deal
with HIV, there's a need for funding to make it successful.

To raise funds and promote awareness, Positive Living North will hold
its annual AIDS Walk on Sept. 26 beginning at the Native Health Centre
at Fourth Avenue and George Street. Pledge forms are available at
Positive Living North, 1563 Second Ave. For more information call
Positive Living at 562-1172.