The number of blood donations contaminated by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) almost doubled this year, the Department of Health (DOH) reported Monday.
This year, 32 bags of blood donations tested positive for HIV from 17 in 2010, the DOH said in a report on GMA News’ “24 Oras" newscast. The DOH conducted the testing in June.
This page requires a higher version browser
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV
“Medyo nababahala kami kasi taun-taon, dumarami ang nagpa-positive sa screening at confirmation," said DOH National Epidemiology Center director Dr. Enrique Tayag in an interview on “24 Oras."
Transfusion of HIV-contaminated blood is one way to spread the virus, aside from unprotected sex with a partner, among other things.
HIV patients in the Philippines rose to 178 in June 2011 from 109 in the same period last year. — PE/VS,
