51 cases of HIV found in E. Java

51 cases of HIV found in E. Java

SURABAYA: As many as 51 people in East Java were found to have
been infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), nine
of whom have died, in the past decade, a local health official
said on Thursday.

The head of the East Java health office, Udin Muhammad
Muslaini, said the surviving HIV carriers are now undergoing
intensive medical treatment.

"The government covers their medical fees to encourage them to
start a normal life when they return home," Muslaini said as
quoted by Antara.

According to Muslaini, most of the sufferers were infected
through sexual intercourse.

HIV can lead to lethal Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
(AIDS).