Ventura Sees ‘Alarming’ Uptick In Number Of HIV Cases For The Year
Other sexually transmitted diseases are also on the rise in the county and across the state, as well.
Ventura County Star:
HIV Surge Ignites Worries About Casual Sex, Awareness
An increase in HIV cases is triggering concerns about risky sexual behavior, a shortfall of educational programs and changed perceptions of a virus once seen as a death sentence. Ventura County Public Health Department officials said a preliminary count shows 80 new cases of HIV reported in 2017 along with 12 new cases of AIDS. At least 11 positive tests of HIV and AIDS were reported in December alone. The numbers, which still must be verified by the state, leaped from the 49 new cases of HIV and seven cases of AIDS in 2016. Three years earlier, in 2013, there were 28 cases of HIV and 16 cases of AIDS, according to public health records. (Kisken, 1/27)
In other news from across the state —
Los Angeles Times:
After A Baby Suddenly Dies, A 911 Call From USC's Former Medical School Dean Sparks Detectives' Interest
The death of the infant, Boaz Franko, is the subject of an ongoing investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Detectives are working to determine whether he died from natural causes, an accident or as the result of a crime. (Hamilton and Ryan, 1/27)
San Jose Mercury News:
Santa Cruz Brain Surgeon, Accused Child Rapist, Sued By Former Patient
Santa Cruz brain surgeon and accused child molester James Kohut and his former employers are being sued by a patient claiming Kohut implanted the wrong screws in his neck, according to court documents. The suit, filed this month in Santa Cruz County Superior Court, also lists defendants Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group and Dominican Hospital. (Todd, 1/27)