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Summary: N.Z. A.I.D.S. Now 303 (Press, 24 December 1987)
As of 24 December 1987, the number of confirmed cases of New Zealanders testing positive for A.I.D.S. antibodies has increased by five, bringing the total to 303, according to a spokesperson from the Health Department. Globally, the number of officially reported A.I.D.S. cases has risen to 64,448 across 127 countries; however, the actual total is believed to be around 150,000. The United States has the highest number of cases, with 43,553 reported. The World Health Organisation's statistics indicate that A.I.D.S. cases predominantly affect young men aged 20 to 49, particularly those who are homosexual or bisexual, as well as intravenous drug users. Notably, estimates of A.I.D.S. transmissions through heterosexual contact have grown from approximately 1 per cent to around 4 per cent. In New Zealand specifically, 35 full-blown A.I.D.S. cases have been documented in individuals aged 20 to 39 years, with 16 cases in those aged 40 to 49, and only seven cases in individuals over 50. Of the cases identified, 49 are male homosexuals, one is an intravenous drug user, another is a haemophiliac, and one person contracted the disease through blood transfusions. The cause of A.I.D.S. remains unknown for six individuals. Notably, only one woman in New Zealand has been diagnosed with fully developed A.I.D.S. Of the 58 identified individuals with the disease, 23 have died, six have left the country, and 29 remain unaccounted for. A breakdown of those who have tested positive for the antibodies shows that 120 are homosexuals and bisexuals, 28 are haemophiliacs, two are homosexual-practising drug users, and one is a male prostitute who used intravenous drugs. Additionally, 12 individuals acquired positive A.I.D.S. antibodies following blood transfusions. Dr Karen Poutasi, the chief health officer of the Health Department, has indicated that the number of cases in New Zealand is expected to continue increasing, as many individuals may be infected with the virus without realising it.
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