Quezon Province Records 120 HIV Deaths Since 1987
LUCENA CITY — Quezon province has seen at least 120 deaths related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) from 1987 through February 2025, local health authorities reported. The Quezon Provincial Health Office (QPHO) shared these findings in a report released on July 2, referencing data from the Department of Health’s regional epidemiology unit.
The total number of HIV cases recorded in Quezon during this period reached 1,636, with 429 cases coming from Lucena City, the provincial capital. Early this year alone, 58 new HIV cases were reported from January to February.
Young Adults Most Affected in Quezon Province
Health officials highlighted that individuals aged 25 to 34 remain the most affected group, followed by adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24. Men are more frequently diagnosed with HIV compared to women. Moreover, the highest transmission rate is among men who have sex with men (MSM).
QPHO continues to urge the public to exercise caution and consistently use protection to curb HIV transmission. They also encourage regular, free, and confidential HIV testing.
“In case of a positive result, do not be afraid, as there are facilities available that offer free treatment and care,” the health office stated in a Facebook post.
Current Treatment and Transmission Trends
As of February 2025, 995 HIV patients in Quezon are undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART), a treatment that helps control the virus and prevent its progression to AIDS. The Department of Health notes that unprotected sexual contact remains the leading mode of HIV transmission, with a growing concentration among the MSM population since 2007.
Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy or childbirth ranks second, while transmission through needle sharing among people who inject drugs is also a concern health officials are monitoring closely.
Understanding HIV Symptoms and Transmission
HIV attacks the immune system, weakening the body’s defense against infections. Although HIV is not curable, patients on ART can prevent the virus from advancing to AIDS, which is often fatal.
According to global health experts, early HIV infection may go unnoticed because symptoms resemble the flu, including fever, headache, rash, and sore throat. As the disease advances, more severe signs such as swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, persistent fever, diarrhea, and chronic cough may develop.
HIV spreads through the exchange of infected bodily fluids, including blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal secretions, local health sources noted.
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