HIV / AIDS

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV destroys the body's immune system, which means that the body can no longer successfully fight against certain infections and some forms of cancer.

AIDS is a global problem. It is estimated that more than six to eight million people are now infected with the HIV virus. Sex workers are frequently infected: the proportion infected exceeds 80% in many parts of the world, and the current stated average population infection rate in Africa is one in 40.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS is found primarily in blood, semen, and vaginal secretions of an infected person. HIV is spread by sexual contact with an infected person, by needle-sharing among injecting drug users, and through transfusions of infected blood and blood clotting factors. Babies born to HIV-infected mothers may have the disease.

In the United States blood is screened for HIV antibodies, but this screening may not take place in all countries. Scientific studies have revealed no evidence that HIV is transmitted by air, food, water, insects, inanimate objects, or casual contact. Even though HIV antibodies are normally detected on a test within 6 months after infection, the period between infection and development of disease symptoms (incubation period) may be 10 years or longer. Treatment has prolonged the survival of some HIV infected persons, but there is no known cure or vaccine available.

Risk

AIDS is found throughout the world. The risk to a traveler depends on whether the traveler will be involved in sexual or needle-sharing contact with a person who is infected with HIV. Receipt of unscreened blood for transfusion poses a risk for HIV infection.

Prevention

Most everyday activities pose no risk of HIV transmission. Normal social contact, swimming in public pools, eating in restaurants and using public toilets are not dangerous. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that mosquitoes transmit HIV.

Avoiding casual unprotected sexual contacts is the best solution. Other than this, condoms are a reasonable barrier. However, if petroleum lubricants are used, condoms are liable to break as petroleum products attack latex. Also, locally produced condoms can often be poor quality and are not recommended.

Never use needles or syringes that have been used by others. When receiving medical attention, always insist that unused, disposable equipment or fully sterilized material is used. If you do need an injection, ask to see the syringe unwrapped in front of you, or better still take a needle and syringe pack with you overseas - it is a cheap insurance package against infection with HIV. Never use another person's razor or toothbrush. Don't have parts of your body pierced, or allow yourself to be tattooed.

HIV/AIDS can be spread through infected blood transfusions. Most developing countries cannot afford to screen blood for transfusions.

No effective vaccine has been developed for HIV.

Diseases