WU HIV cases not increasing

By Claire Byun

byunc@mytjnow.com

Any rumors about an increase in positive HIV diagnoses on Winthrop’s campus are not true, said Monica Adamian, director of prevention services at Catawba Care Coalition. 

“It’s just not something new or something becoming an epidemic,” Adamian said.

There is no AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, epidemic on Winthrop’s campus, Adamian said.

“I’ve heard some of the rumors too, and at one point someone told me they got a text message that said there were more than 100 cases of AIDS at Winthrop,” Adamian said.

AIDS is the last stage of the immune disease HIV, which leaves individuals susceptible to opportunistic infections and tumors, according to AIDS.gov. Those diagnosed with HIV will not necessarily be diagnosed with AIDS, unless their case becomes serious enough. 

In 2009, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) conducted a survey on the state’s reported AIDS cases. From Jan. 1981 to Dec.  2009, 19,195 cases had been reported. Throughout the time period, 3,431 people were diagnosed during the ages of 20-29.

Nearly 31 percent of cases in 2009 were from college-aged students, according to the study.

“It really isn’t a matter of college students or older people; it’s everywhere” Adamian said. “But the number of people who get tested and show up positive is only about one to two percent.”

Winthrop staff disregard this rumor as well, and many are unaware of the gossip. Mary Jo Barreto, assistant director of Health and Counseling Services, said there is no AIDS trend on campus, but students should still be aware of their sexual health.

“I would encourage individuals to think seriously about their sexual activity – whether to be sexually active or not,” Barreto said.

Students who wish to learn more about the disease can visit the Health and Counseling Services website at www.winthrop.edu/hcs, or Catawba Care at www.catawbacare.org. Testing is available through the university for a fee, and Catawba Care offers testing every day but Friday.

“Practice safe sex if he/she is going to be sexually active, be in a monogamous relationship, use appropriate protection, and know partner well-a few good tips,” Barreto said.