Arya News - From January to February alone this year, at least 58 new HIV cases were reported in the province.
LUCENA – At least 120 people in Quezon province have died due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) from 1987 to February 2025, according to local health authorities.
The Quezon Provincial Health Office (QPHO) revealed this in a report released on Wednesday, July 2, citing data from the Department of Health’s (DOH) Center for Health Development – Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit 4-A.
The data showed that from 1987 to February this year, Quezon recorded a total of 1,636 HIV cases, at least 429 of which were from Lucena City, the provincial capital.
From January to February alone this year, at least 58 new HIV cases were reported.
According to the QPHO, the highest number of cases remains among individuals aged 25 to 34, followed by those aged 15 to 24, including adolescents and young adults.
Health officials also noted that more men are affected by HIV than women. In terms of transmission, the highest number of cases was recorded among men who have sex with men (MSM).
The QPHO continues to urge the public to be cautious and consistently use protection to prevent HIV transmission. It also encourages regular HIV testing, which is free and confidential.
“In case of a positive result, do not be afraid, as there are facilities available that offer free treatment and care,” the QPHO said in Filipino in a Facebook post.
As of February 2025, a total of 995 HIV patients in Quezon are undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART), a prescribed maintenance regimen widely used to manage HIV and prevent progression to AIDS.
According to the DOH, unprotected sexual contact remains the predominant mode of HIV transmission, with a noticeable shift toward the MSM population since 2007.
Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy or childbirth ranks second.
Health officials are also closely monitoring HIV transmission through needle-sharing among people who inject drugs, another significant mode of spread.
HIV infection weakens the immune system to the point where the body can no longer effectively combat even mild illnesses.
While HIV is not yet curable, many patients undergoing ART have successfully prevented the progression of the virus to AIDS, which is often fatal.
The World Health Organization (WHO) noted that HIV symptoms vary depending on the stage or severity of the infection. Many people in the early stages may be unaware they have contracted the virus. In the first few weeks after infection, some may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, rash, or sore throat.
As the infection progresses, more severe symptoms may appear, including swollen lymph nodes, weight loss or wasting, fever, diarrhea, and persistent cough.
According to WHO, HIV can be transmitted through “the exchange of a variety of body fluids from infected people, such as blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal secretions.” INQ/coa