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The number of people who have tested positive for HIV/AIDS in Korea has exceeded the 5,000 mark, the Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said.
A total of 575 new HIV/AIDS cases have been reported this year as of September, pushing the total number to 5,155 including 686 patients with full-blown AIDS, according to the KCDC. Some 938 people have died of the disease in Korea, while 4,217 have survived.
Men account for 93 percent of the newly reported cases. By age, 166 people in their 30s have tested positive, followed by 143 in their 40s and 104 in their 20s. Ten teens and 64 people over 60 have contracted the virus.
The agency said it has confirmed the route of infection for 354 people with HIV/AIDS, all of which resulted from sexual intercourse. Some 35 percent of them contracted the virus through homosexual intercourse.
When treated properly at an early stage, AIDS can be managed like chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, the KCDC said. The agency emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. The use of a condom is imperative in preventing AIDS since most cases are contracted through unsafe sex, the KCDC said.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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