What should be done about "bug chasers"?

Question

I'm doing some research on intentionally inflicting/ or desiring to become infected with HIV. I found an estimate that 25% of new HIV cases among gay men were INTENTIONALLY contracted! I was shocked! Do you think the intentional tranmission of a disease should be criminalized? (It is in about 25 states.) What should our public policy be regarding health care for these individuals?

Answer 1

I'd like to see your research methods because I have a hard time believing that 25% of HIV incidence in MSM's would possibly be intentional. I work in public health, I have worked in STDs and I have worked with MSM's, so I'd know if you were BS-ing or not. You can email me via my profile and summarize the nature of your study, or send me your abstract. Otherwise, I call SHENANIGANS!

Per criminalization of transmission, it is only a criminal act (in jurisdictions where HIV-transmission is addressed in statues) when the HIV+ person knowingly fails to disclose his/her disease status to his/her sex partner.

With that said, if the HIV+ person is aware of his/her status and FULLY DISCLOSES that status to he/her sex partners, then the matter is caveat emptor on the part of the sexual partners. Buyer beware. The sexual partner is then responsible for accepting the risk involved with having sex with a HIV+ person.

As far as public health policy, the first step is to educate the people. There is a notable cohort effect in the MSM community; younger MSM's grew up in the era of HAART and didn't see their friends die of of AIDS in droves. Younger people in general don't have a real idea of the kind of life you lead when you're on the HAART cocktail, what happens if you don't respond to therapy, or the kinds of illnesses you deal when if you depress your immune system. Public health messages against STDs and HIV need to reach the younger folks. They need access to resources. And most of all, they need to change their attitude towards HIV-status. A desire to feel "included" by the "Poz community" is driving a small number (I'm wagering far less than the 25% you cite) to pursue intentional infection.

On a practical Rand-ian focus, intentional infection with HIV is bad for public health because HIV therapy is costly, and it can mean an undue burden on public health resources. So if you can't deal with the human face of HIV, then at least know that it costs money to live with HIV. If it doesn't cost *you* money, it'll cost taxpayers money.

I'm not saying to deprive people of care, though. That's just mean. But I am saying that there needs to be messages to discourage HIV infection all across the board. Target your messages to each population to address the different reasons that people get HIV.

Answer 2

Its not criminal if they know their partners status. While this behaviour is highly unfortunate and distressing, it is their choice.

I sincerely doubt that 25% of new infections are intentional, whats your source?

Answer 3

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