The number of people with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has increased rapidly during the past couple of years in Chongqing, the largest metropolis in southwestern part of China.
Since the first case of HIV, the virus that causes the AIDS, was discovered in 1993, a total of 48 HIV carriers have been found in the city.
Last year, local hospitals found 15 people with HIV, the combined figure for the previous six years. Eighteen more people were found to have HIV in the first 10 months of this year, a municipal medical official revealed.
Forty-three of the 48 carriers are under the age of 40, and 36 are males.
AIDS prevention has become a matter of great importance in Chongqing since the rapid rise in the number of people with HIV and other venereal diseases. the official said.
(People's Daily 11/04/2000)
