Aids cases rise by 21.5% among young people in São Paulo state

The number of reported cases of AIDS among 15 to 24-year-olds has increased 21.5% in the state of São Paulo over the seven five years, according to the State Health Secretariat. In 2007, there were 594 new cases of the disease, and 722 new infections were reported in 2013.

If all age ranges are considered, the number of new infections is seen to decline by 20%—8,482 new cases in 2007, compared to last year's 6,830.

In 2013, 1,547 people died from the illness all throughout the state—the equivalent of four deaths per day.

The number of reports dropped most significantly among heterosexuals. A total of 3,726 cases were detected in 2007, against 2,578 in 2013. Among men who have sex with other men, the amount surged from 1,328 infections in 2007 to 1,549 last year. As for those aged 60 or older, new infections also rose in number, from 319 in 2007 to 322 in 2013.

Beginning today (Dec 1) a free screening action is to take place at the state's 3.3 thousand healthcare facilities. As many as 200 thousand quick tests are expected to be provided to the population up to December 5. Results come out in just 30 minutes.

On social media, the Emílio Ribas Infectious Disease Institute will promote its initiative called “Desafio da Camisinha” (The Condom Challenge), where young people are challenged to take pictures of themselves holding a condom or showing call-to-action messages for AIDS prevention.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira / Mayra Borges