In a few months, “14 HIV infections with the same viral strain”: the ARS launches the alert after the detection of an epidemic outbreak

14 cas de contaminations au VIH avec la même souche virale ont été identifiés en l’espace de 7 mois. MAXPPP – Aurelien Morissard

Lundi 9 décembre 2024, l’Agence Régionale de Santé d’Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes a lancé l’alerte après la détection de nombreux cas de contaminations au VIH dans la région.

This Monday, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Regional Health Agency published a press release warning of the resurgence of HIV infections in the region, particularly in Savoie. In the space of 7 months, “the infectious disease departments of the region's hospitals have identified 14 cases of HIV contamination with the same viral strain. Investigations have confirmed that some cases were linked to each other”, specifies the press release.

“An epidemic rebound”

Questioned by France Bleu, Olivier Rogeaux, an infectious disease specialist at Chambéry hospital, warned that “contaminations are returning to a significant and probably underestimated level“. Speaking to the Dauphiné Libéré, the latter confided that since his arrival at the hospital, 30 years ago, he had never “seen such an epidemic rebound of HIV”.

In its press release, the ARS recalls that “HIV is still actively circulating in the territory and that we must protect ourselves from it.” To do this, the use of a condom during sexual intercourse is “essential“. Only a blood test can detect HIV. As a reminder, “HIV screening is done without a prescription, without an appointment and without advance payment.” It is 100% supported.