HIV-infected prostitutes at large

HIV-infected prostitutes at large

BENGKULU, Bengkulu: The provincial health agency here has called on people to refrain from sexual contact with prostitutes as three prostitutes with HIV are plying their trade unchecked following the recent closure of a red light district in the capital.

Head of the agency Sabri Maghrib said on Monday he did not know the whereabouts of the three prostitutes, who tested positive for HIV following examinations that were conducted in the province's red light districts in Yang Tahu Pulau Baai, Air Sabai, Banyumas Curup and Sulau Pring Tiga.

The Yang Tahu Pulau Baai red light district, where the three prostitutes used to operate, was closed down last month. The blood tests conducted there also found 60 prostitutes infected with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Sabri said his office routinely carried out tests on prison inmates, sailors and truck drivers. -- Antara