Australia Expects Many More A.I.D.S. Cases (Press, 27 October 1984)

On 27 October 1984, an Australian expert, Dr David Cooper, addressed the Venereological Society’s annual conference in Wellington, highlighting the rising concern over the disease A.I.D.S. (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) in Australia. He reported that 22 cases of the disease had been diagnosed in the country and predicted that many more would follow over the next few years. Dr Cooper indicated that Australia might be five years behind the United States in terms of the epidemic's progression. He expressed some scepticism regarding the severity of the outbreak in New Zealand, suggesting that the homosexual community there did not congregate as closely as in other countries, which could mitigate risk. Dr Cooper outlined the nature of A.I.D.S., emphasising that the virus attacks the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to fight infections and leading to a range of complications. He noted that nearly all A.I.D.S. sufferers eventually succumb to the disease, with survival typically lasting no more than two years after diagnosis. The epidemic had already resulted in over 6,000 cases reported in the United States, with hundreds more in other nations. The demographics of those affected showed that 72% were homosexuals, 17% were intravenous drug users, and there were also infections among Haitians and haemophiliacs. A striking statistic was that male cases outnumbered female ones by a ratio of 15 to 1. Dr Cooper mentioned that Australia had already recorded seven deaths due to A.I.D.S., and he raised alarming concerns regarding blood transfusions as a means of transmission, highlighting that two Australian cases were attributed to this route. He urged blood banks worldwide to consider measures to prevent high-risk individuals, particularly from the homosexual community, from donating blood. In response, the New Zealand Health Department had advised homosexuals against giving blood. Furthermore, Dr Cooper discussed the emergence of A.I.D.S. Related Complexes (A.R.C.), which present milder symptoms such as fatigue and swollen lymph glands. Although not life-threatening, A.R.C. served as a significant burden as about ten times more individuals were believed to be affected compared to those with full-blown A.I.D.S. He estimated that only 5% of A.R.C. cases would progress to A.I.D.S. itself, and currently, there was no treatment or cure for either condition. The report concluded with the notable detail that three homosexual men had returned to New Zealand after contracting A.I.D.S. abroad, and one of them had since died. This alarming update highlighted the potential spread of A.I.D.S. and underscored the need for increased awareness and preventive measures in New Zealand.

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