HIV case sparks more services

The New Zealand Aids Foundation has made more HIV testing and counselling services available, after the prosecution of a man for allegedly knowingly infecting six people, four of whom are HIV-positive.

The foundation provided free, painless, fast and confidential testing for HIV and syphilis, spokesman Wayne Otter said.

"We encourage anyone who may be concerned about any sexual encounter they have had to come in and get tested. If you've been at risk, it's better to know."

HIV was extremely dangerous but easily preventable, spreading only through bodily fluids like semen or blood, Mr Otter said.

The virus was not airborne, could not be transmitted through skin to skin contact or kissing and transmission was easily prevented with condoms.

In Auckland District Court yesterday, the 40-year-old, with interim name suppression, was accused of numerous charges of infecting or attempting to infect people with the virus.

Police alleged the man, who profiled himself as a 32-year-old, attempted to solicit partners throughout the country and possibly overseas on various website and telephone dating services.

Judge Anne Kiernan granted the man further name suppression and remanded him in custody to appear on Friday after police laid eight further charges - six of wounding or attempted wounding with reckless disregard, one of infecting with a disease and one of attempted infecting with disease.

Mr Otter said the case was extremely rare.

The man was diagnosed HIV-positive in May 2007 and had allegedly had an active sex life with men and women since then.

* Who to contact

24-hour nationwide Aids Hotline:
(09) 358 0099 (Auckland) or 0800 802 437

- NZPA