Record high numbers of new HIV infections in Japan
The numbers of new infections of HIV and Aids patients in Japan hit record highs in 2006, the Health Ministry said today, underscoring concerns over spreading infections.
The number of new HIV infections last year was 914, up 9.9% from 832 cases in 2005, according to preliminary data released by the ministry’s Aids Surveillance Committee.
The number of those who developed Aids in 2006 was 390, up 6.3% from 367 in 2005.
Both numbers were a record high since the ministry began taking statistics in 1985.
The report did not provide analysis on why the numbers are increasing.
Ministry official Kozo Akino said while actual infections may be spreading, the surge in the number of infections is also because more people are getting tested.
The number of people who tested for HIV, the Aids virus, nearly doubled in 2006 to about 116,000 from 61,000 in 2002, he said.
In June, the ministry held week-long awareness campaigns with extended hours for tests and providing tests in convenient locations.
Akino said that the ministry will continue to promote HIV tests with similar campaigns.
