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HIV: situation of clustered cases in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Press release
December 9, 2024
Faced with this unusual situation, the ARS Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes wishes to remind the population of the importance of preventive measures, in particular the use of condoms and screening.
Situation report
Between April and November 2024 , the infectious disease departments of the region's hospitals identified 14 cases of HIV contamination with the same viral strain . Investigations confirmed that some cases were linked to each other.
Faced with the acceleration of contaminations in recent months, particularly in Savoie , the ARS Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, in conjunction with field associations, is strengthening prevention and screening actions, with particular attention paid to people with multiple partners . For these people, the use of condoms and regular screening are particularly recommended.
Management measures
From the beginning of November, healthcare professionals in Savoie were alerted to the situation so that if there was the slightest doubt, they could suggest that their patients get tested, particularly in the event of unprotected sex.
Local associations specializing in prevention and sexual health have also been informed and are particularly active on the ground in order to raise awareness among the population (outreach operations, screenings, etc.).
Other communication actions are implemented to remind people of the essential prevention messages to avoid any transmission of HIV (digital information campaign in particular).
Recommendations to the population
In addition to this unusual situation, it is important to remember that HIV is still actively circulating in the country and that we must protect ourselves against it.
Avoid exposure to HIV
To avoid any sexual transmission of HIV, the systematic use of a condom is essential.
Get tested regularly and at certain stages of life
Only a blood screening test can tell if you are carrying the virus because the infection often remains silent (no symptoms). It is advisable to get tested systematically after taking a risk (6 weeks after exposure) and at certain stages of life (planning to become pregnant, etc.).
HIV (and sexually transmitted infections) screening is done in a medical biology laboratory without a prescription, without an appointment and without any advance payment.
For those diagnosed, HIV treatment is effective , controlling the multiplication of the virus and preventing transmission. It is the undiagnosed and/or untreated people who transmit the virus.
What to do if exposed to HIV?
In case of potential exposure to HIV (unprotected sex, condom breakage, etc.), emergency treatment , called PEP or post-exposure preventive treatment , may be prescribed. In this case, you should go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital as quickly as possible. To be effective, PEP must begin as soon as possible and no later than 48 hours after exposure.
If you have any questions or need assistance
The CeGIDD (Free Information, Screening and Diagnostic Centers) provide advice, anonymous and free screenings or the establishment of treatment, with or without an appointment.
To find the center closest to you, consult our dedicated page on the ARS website .
It is also possible to contact Sida Info Service on 0 800 840 800 (confidential, anonymous and free call, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.), by email or via the forum .
For more information on:
HIV: situation of clustered cases in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Press release
December 9, 2024
Faced with this unusual situation, the ARS Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes wishes to remind the population of the importance of preventive measures, in particular the use of condoms and screening.
Situation report
Between April and November 2024 , the infectious disease departments of the region's hospitals identified 14 cases of HIV contamination with the same viral strain . Investigations confirmed that some cases were linked to each other.
Faced with the acceleration of contaminations in recent months, particularly in Savoie , the ARS Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, in conjunction with field associations, is strengthening prevention and screening actions, with particular attention paid to people with multiple partners . For these people, the use of condoms and regular screening are particularly recommended.
Management measures
From the beginning of November, healthcare professionals in Savoie were alerted to the situation so that if there was the slightest doubt, they could suggest that their patients get tested, particularly in the event of unprotected sex.
Local associations specializing in prevention and sexual health have also been informed and are particularly active on the ground in order to raise awareness among the population (outreach operations, screenings, etc.).
Other communication actions are implemented to remind people of the essential prevention messages to avoid any transmission of HIV (digital information campaign in particular).
Recommendations to the population
In addition to this unusual situation, it is important to remember that HIV is still actively circulating in the country and that we must protect ourselves against it.
Avoid exposure to HIV
To avoid any sexual transmission of HIV, the systematic use of a condom is essential.
Get tested regularly and at certain stages of life
Only a blood screening test can tell if you are carrying the virus because the infection often remains silent (no symptoms). It is advisable to get tested systematically after taking a risk (6 weeks after exposure) and at certain stages of life (planning to become pregnant, etc.).
HIV (and sexually transmitted infections) screening is done in a medical biology laboratory without a prescription, without an appointment and without any advance payment.
For those diagnosed, HIV treatment is effective , controlling the multiplication of the virus and preventing transmission. It is the undiagnosed and/or untreated people who transmit the virus.
What to do if exposed to HIV?
In case of potential exposure to HIV (unprotected sex, condom breakage, etc.), emergency treatment , called PEP or post-exposure preventive treatment , may be prescribed. In this case, you should go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital as quickly as possible. To be effective, PEP must begin as soon as possible and no later than 48 hours after exposure.
If you have any questions or need assistance
The CeGIDD (Free Information, Screening and Diagnostic Centers) provide advice, anonymous and free screenings or the establishment of treatment, with or without an appointment.
To find the center closest to you, consult our dedicated page on the ARS website .
It is also possible to contact Sida Info Service on 0 800 840 800 (confidential, anonymous and free call, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.), by email or via the forum .
For more information on:
- screening for sexually transmitted infections including HIV, consult the information page on the ARS website .
- the epidemiological situation in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, consult the Public Health France bulletin.