A man tested positive for HIV in 2008 has been ordered by a Seattle judge to stop spreading the disease but to seek treatment after infecting eight people in four years.
According to Seattle Times reports, he had done this despite receiving HIV counselling including how to practise safe sex.
The man, identified as “AO” in court documents, is expected to show up for counselling and try to protect future sexual partners.
The man could face jail time or pay fine if he does not comply to the above conditions.
However, officials said they are not trying to criminalise sexual activity but to protect public health.
This was disclosed in a statement by Dr Matthew Golden, director of the King County Public Health department.
About 50,000 people in the US are newly infected with HIV every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About 16% of the 1.1 million people living with the virus do not know they are infected.
“We’re not trying to criminalise sexual behaviour here,”
“We are trying to protect the public’s health. And we’re trying to make sure that everyone gets the care they need, including the person involved in this.”
