By ROMEO SUBALDO
ABS-CBN Bacolod

Another resident of Bacolod City has tested positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a retrovirus that could cause AIDS, bringing the total number of HIV-AIDS patients in the city to eight as of April this year.

Denia Hiballes, health education and promotion officer of the Bacolod City Health Office, said the HIV-AIDS patient asked for help from her office last January. She said all eight HIV-AIDS patients are undergoing counseling and are receiving medical treatment.

Hiballes said reported cases of HIV-AIDS in the city have been declining. "There are still victims who choose not to report their situation to  authorities because of the fear of being ostracized," she said.

In 2003, the Bacolod City Health Office recorded 11 cases of HIV-positive patients. Of the 11, three have died.

Hiballes said the public still needs to be educated abut how the disease is acquired. HIV can be acquired  through sex, needle-sharing and breastfeeding.