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More than two new HIV cases detected every day
In 2017, 890 people were diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), an average of 2.4 new diagnoses per day, according to Sciensano in his annual report. The number of infections diagnosed decreased by 2% compared to 2016 and by 27.5% compared to 2012.
The number of infections diagnosed decreased by 2% compared to 2016 and by 27.5% compared to 2012.
BELGA
Men who have bad with men (MSM) and people from sub-Saharan Africa, two so-called "at risk" populations, accounted for most of the new infections in 2017. A decrease in the number of new cases is seen in both cases. categories.
The likely mode of infection is known for 71% of new diagnoses in 2017. MSM accounted for 49% of new infections and heterobadual contact transmission for 48%. In the latter case, people came mainly from sub-Saharan Africa (49%).
Only 1% of diagnoses in 2017 involved intravenous drug use.
In addition, fewer screening tests were conducted in 2017 (-2%). The proportion of confirmed new diagnoses was 1.25 per 1,000 tests performed. In addition, 36% of infections were diagnosed late.
The number of people being medically followed for HIV infection is steadily increasing, with an average of 687 more patients each year. In 2017, this follow-up involved 16,070 people. Of those treated in AIDS referral centers, 99% received antiretroviral therapy with a high virologic success rate, Sciensano. Thus, 97% of these patients had a viral load (amount of virus in the blood) controlled. An undetectable virus is also untransferable, says the AIDS Prevention Platform in a statement. "A person who knows his status and is cared for can no longer transmit HIV."
In 2017, 18,908 people were living with the virus, or 1.7 infected persons per 1,000 population. Of these, 2,059 have not yet been diagnosed, says Sciensano. These are the latter who, mostly, infect other people without knowing it, says the Platform.
HIV is a badually transmitted infection that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). At this point, the virus weakens the immune system and makes it vulnerable to multiple opportunistic infections.
In 2017, 56 AIDS diagnoses were reported, bringing the total between 1981 and 2017 to 5,084. Since the beginning of the epidemic and up to 31 December 2017, 30,778 people have been diagnosed with HIV.
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