There are now 45 cases of Human Immune Virus (HIV) recorded by a special center of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center since May 2006.

From the recorded cases, nine of the people living with HIV already died while the other clients are undergoing regimen medical treatment, according to Dr. Ma. Lorena Santos of the BGHMC OB Gyne Department.

Santos, who also handles HIV cases, said majority of the people living with HIV are cooperative with medical attendants while she exerts extra effort in reminding them to have their regular consultation at BGHMC.

HIV is a virus that causes one to have acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), which make people living with HIV prone to multiple complications that could result in their death.

Health officials said risky behaviors like practicing anal sex, having multiple sex partners, low condom use, and sharing of syringes are some of the main causes of HIV/AIDS.

What bothers local health officials handling HIV cases is that the age of people infected with the virus is becoming younger. The youngest patient recorded  to have contracted the disease by the center was 17.

The age bracket of the patients currently under medication is 25 and the oldest is 55 years old.

Santos, meanwhile, clarified public speculation that one or two call center agents from Baguio has HIV, saying not a single worker from the city-based business process outsourcing centers was admitted to have contracted the virus.

The DOH central office  has been recording a steady increase of AIDS cases in the country with 313 HIV cases documented March this year.

At least four new cases of HIV are being recorded daily in the country since January 2010.