While P.E.I.’s rate of HIV infection appears to be holding steady amid an increase in the national average, Islanders are being urged to take measures to keep the virus from spreading.
According to the peer-reviewed medical journal The Lancet, Canada saw a 35 per cent increase in HIV infections from 2022 to 2023.
But Heather Morrison, P.E.I.’s chief public health officer, said the Island has held steady since 2018 with about three to seven new cases per year.
“Although the cases have not been on the rise here in P.E.I., it is concerning that rates are increasing in other parts of Canada. So it’s important that Islanders take certain steps to reduce the risk of acquiring or spreading HIV.”
Scott Alan, men’s sexual health program co-ordinator for PEERS Alliance, agreed. They said P.E.I. could be susceptible because it is such a popular travel destination.
“A lot of people these days …