Nova Scotia Health reports increase in HIV cases
Health officials in Nova Scotia say there has been an increase in the number of people diagnosed with HIV in the province this year.
Public Health says it typically sees 15 to 20 new cases of the virus in Nova Scotia per year, but it already had 20 to 25 cases by the end of last month.
In a news release Monday, Public Health says its data is subject to change due to changes in case status, delays in reporting, and/or data validation. Because of this, Nova Scotia Health says the data should be interpreted “with caution.”
Public Health says people newly diagnosed with HIV were traced back to social circles in the Halifax Regional Municipality, although they do live throughout the province.
The most prominent risk factors identified by Nova Scotia Health are men who have sex with men and people who use drugs, including those who share drug equipment.
The health authority stresses the importance of getting tested for HIV and for people to know their status if they are part of a population at increased risk of contracting the virus.
They also encourage those people to:
- Limit sexual partners until you know your status
- Use a latex condom every time you have sex, including oral and anal sex
- Don’t share needles and syringes used to inject drugs, steroids, vitamins, or for tattooing or body piercing. Also, don’t share equipment used to prepare drugs to be injected.
- Don’t share razors, sex toys, or toothbrushes because of the possibility of contact with blood
- If possible, keep a way to reach your sexual partners so they can be informed of potential exposure to HIV should you test positive
Nova Scotians can get tested for HIV testing through primary care providers, including family doctors, nurse practitioners, walk-in clinics, Virtual Care NS and at the following clinics:
- Halifax Sexual Health Centre
- QEII STI Clinic
- Clayton Park STI Clinic
- Newcomer Health Clinic in Halifax
- Wije’winen Health Centre in Halifax
- Ally Centre of Cape Breton in Sydney
- Truro Sexual Health Centre
- The Red Door in Kentville
- Tri-County Wellness Clinic in Yarmouth
Public Health adds that anyone who has recently been exposed to HIV, or who has multiple anonymous sexual contacts, should call them at 1-902-481-5824 to get appropriate testing.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.