A.I.D.S. May Be In N.Z. (Press, 1 November 1983)
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Summary: A.I.D.S. May Be In N.Z. (Press, 1 November 1983)
On 1 November 1983, the Health Department of New Zealand indicated the possibility that cases of A.I.D.S. (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) could already be present in the country. Dr John Clements, the assistant director of disease prevention, mentioned that A.I.D.S. can take between six months to two years to show symptoms, during which time an infected person may not realise they have the disease. He noted that while it is theoretically possible for the disease to exist in New Zealand, there is currently no evidence to suggest it is present. To prepare for any potential cases, the Health Department has issued guidelines to district health offices on how to manage suspected instances of A.I.D.S. Dr Clements stated that there was no expectation of an imminent outbreak in New Zealand but emphasized the importance of taking precautionary measures in light of the situation in other countries, where over 2,000 A.I.D.S. cases have been reported globally, including in Australia. The specific cause of A.I.D.S. remains unknown, and there is no definitive test for diagnosing the condition. As a result, Dr Clements highlighted the necessity of confirming any reported cases before making diagnoses. In the event of a confirmed A.I.D.S. case, health officials would take steps to identify the source of the infection and notify possible contacts, advising them to refrain from sexual activity. A.I.D.S. is particularly prevalent among male homosexuals and drug users who share syringes, and it was designated a notifiable disease in New Zealand in August of the same year. The Health Department's guidelines also include recommendations for counselling to alleviate undue concerns and to encourage reduced sexual activity through abstinence. Dr Clements reassured the public that A.I.D.S. is not easily transmitted and that ordinary social interactions do not pose a risk. Even among homosexual men, the risk of transmitting A.I.D.S. can be significantly lowered if sexual activity is restricted to one partner.
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