A.I.D.S. Cases Reach 91 (Press, 8 September 1988)

As of 8 September 1988, New Zealand's Health Department has reported nine new cases of AIDS since June, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 91. Out of these, 36 individuals have died, and six have moved overseas. This year alone, 28 new cases have been identified. As of 2 September 1988, there have been 396 positive antibody tests for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which is responsible for AIDS. The majority of AIDS cases have been reported in Auckland and predominantly involve homosexual men, with only a single case attributed to heterosexual contact thus far. Additionally, the Health Department has indicated that HIV transmission is occurring among intravenous drug users in New Zealand. Earlier instances of HIV transmission also occurred through blood transfusions before the implementation of control measures in 1985. Notably, New Zealand has not seen any documented cases of perinatal (mother to baby) transmission of the virus. Globally, the situation is concerning, with the World Health Organisation reporting over 108,000 AIDS cases by 1 August 1988. However, this figure represents only a fraction of the actual cases, which are estimated to be between 200,000 and 250,000 worldwide. Furthermore, it is estimated that between five and ten million individuals may currently be infected with HIV globally.

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