The number of HIV cases is on the rise in Bhutan. A total of 13 people tested positive in 2002, and in all 38 are now infected with the virus in the Himalayan country. The first HIV positive case was diagnosed in 1993. Among those infected are seven housewives, three farmers, 10 civil servants, 12 business people and six sex workers.
Tenzing Penjor of the public health division revealed that all the transmissions were believed to have taken place through heterosexual activity.
While five cases were detected during blood screening, 10 were traced through their contacts. Twelve came to light through voluntary counselling and testing, and 11 through sentinel surveillance (detection by health workers). The majority of people the who have tested positive are in their 20s and 30s.
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