A total of 80 additional cases of HIV infection were reported in the second quarter of this year, bringing the total number of reported HIV infections to 12,223 since 1984, the Centre for Health Protection announced today.

Of the new cases, which involve 60 men and 20 women, 42 acquired the virus through homosexual or bisexual contact and 26 via heterosexual contact.

The routes of transmission for the remaining 12 cases have yet to be determined.

The centre said sex remains the major mode of HIV transmission, and advised people to use condoms consistently and properly to reduce infection risks.

There were 16 new AIDS cases reported in the quarter, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 2,523 since 1985.

The centre urged members of the public with a history of unsafe sex to take an HIV antibody test as early as possible, adding that key populations with a higher risk of infection should undergo regular HIV screening.

For a free, anonymous and confidential HIV antibody test, visit the HIV Testing Service website or call 2780 2211.