May 21, 2009

Study: HIV in Europe Linked to Vacation Destinations

Holiday destinations such as Greece and Spain are increasingly linked to the rise in Europe’s HIV cases, according to researchers from the University of Athens and reported on by the Press Association.

According to the article, the researchers tracked HIV infections among “hotspots” in five to seven countries. In addition to Greece and Spain, other major players in HIV migration include Portugal, Serbia and Holland. Although Holland does not attract seaside travelers, Amsterdam is a top sex tourism destination.

“Viruses move around with travelers,” said Dimitrios Paraskevis, MD, the lead author the study, which was printed in the journal Retrovirology. “Thus health programs within countries should not only target the national populations; prevention efforts must also be aimed at migrants, travelers and tourists, who are both major sources and targets of HIV.”

Search: Greece, Spain, University of Athens, Portugal, Serbia, Holland, Amsterdam, Retrovirology

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