Health officials in Occidental Mindoro province are sounding the alarm after HIV cases skyrocketed by 366% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year.

The Provincial Health Office (PHO) reported 33 new HIV cases from January through March 2025, a dramatic increase from just nine cases recorded during the same months in 2024.

The data comes from the Department of Health’s Center for Health Development MIMAROPA Center for Regional Epidemiology and Technology Enhancement.

The health office’s analysis reveals troubling demographics among the new cases.

Seventy-eight percent resulted from men having sex with men, while 90% of those affected are between ages 15 and 34 — a demographic often considered to be in their prime health years.

Health officials noted that many infected individuals appear healthy and show no initial symptoms, making the virus particularly dangerous for community spread.

The province is urging residents to take immediate preventive action, including getting tested at health centers and hospitals where HIV screening is free and confidential.

Officials also stressed the importance of using protection during sexual encounters and avoiding discrimination against those affected by HIV.

The DOH said that HIV cannot be cured but can be managed through proper medical action and treatment.