Pubdate: Friday, October 30, 1998
Source: Ottawa Sun (Canada)
Contact:  http://www.canoe.ca/OttawaSun/
Copyright: 1998, Canoe Limited Partnership.
Author: Megan Gillis

HIV ON RISE FOR ADDICTS, GAY MEN

Trend 'disturbing,' say region's health officials

The virus that causes AIDS is appearing in epidemic proportions among
drug addicts and young gay men, regional health officials said
yesterday.

"It's a disturbing trend," said Dr. Edward Ellis, the region's associate
medical officer of health.

In 1997, 52 gay men were diagnosed with HIV, compared to 30 in 1996.

Infections among injection drug users jumped to 31 from 25 over the same
period, making the region's infection rate 2.6 times higher than that of
Toronto.

And health officials believe that not all cases of HIV or AIDS are
reported.

Ellis said infection rates among young gay men and drug users have, in
fact, gone up, but the wider availability of anonymous testing and
partner notification accounts for some of the increase.

More than 1,300 people in the region live with HIV or AIDS, and almost
400 people have died from AIDS-related illnesses since 1983.

As health officials reported increasing rates of infection, measures
aimed at protecting drug users came under fire.

"We've found 190 syringes so far this year," said Cheryl Parrott of the
Hintonburg Community Association."

"Some have been found in children's sandboxes."

Community groups are demanding the region clean up needles, limit the
number of needles given to addicts and keep the needle exchange van away
from community schools and parks.

- ---
Checked-by: Rolf Ernst