Is subtype E responsible for the rapid spread of HIV in Thailand and is there reason to expect an explosive spread of subtype E in other countries?
Ans. Recent findings on the rapid spread of subtype E in Thailand require further confirmation; and other variables that may affect the risk of transmission need to be studied. The possibility of subtype E virus spreading into other countries cannot be excluded. The prevention strategies advocated by UNAIDS which are currently being applied in countries such as Thailand, are valid in all parts of the world. In the event of subtype E spreading in Europe and other industrialized countries, these prevention strategies do not need to be altered, but simply continued and reinforced. As long as people practise safe sex, there is no need for alarm or panic. While UNAIDS cautions that more research needs to be done before the relative infectivity of subtype E can be established, the programme welcomes the current debate.
Ans. Recent findings on the rapid spread of subtype E in Thailand require further confirmation; and other variables that may affect the risk of transmission need to be studied. The possibility of subtype E virus spreading into other countries cannot be excluded. The prevention strategies advocated by UNAIDS which are currently being applied in countries such as Thailand, are valid in all parts of the world. In the event of subtype E spreading in Europe and other industrialized countries, these prevention strategies do not need to be altered, but simply continued and reinforced. As long as people practise safe sex, there is no need for alarm or panic. While UNAIDS cautions that more research needs to be done before the relative infectivity of subtype E can be established, the programme welcomes the current debate. This debate may serve to remind people that it is imperative that preventive behaviour continue to be promoted as long as the epidemic is not conquered in every part of the wo
