New York Times Examines Methods Used To Investigate Rare HIV Strain
The New York Times on Tuesday examined the methods implemented by New York City public health officials to investigate the rare and "possibly virulent" strain of HIV recently detected in a local man (Altman, New York Times, 3/1). Officials from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene on Feb. 11 announced that they had detected the HIV strain, which is resistant to most antiretroviral drugs and possibly causes a rapid onset of AIDS. The city health department issued an alert to physicians, hospitals and medical providers asking them to test all HIV-positive patients for evidence of the strain. This combination of highly drug-resistant HIV and rapid progression to AIDS had not been identified before (Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, 2/25). Through "medical detective work" that could take "months," officials will rely on the "classic method" of tracing the man's sexual contacts, "cutting edge" laboratory tests and "luck," according to the Times (New York Times, 3/1). The complete article is available online.
This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.