Regarding media reports that a certain man is alleged to have used religious rhetoric to deceive women and engaged in acts that violate sexual autonomy, resulting in multiple women being infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the prosecutor has filed charges such as forced sexual intercourse causing serious injury, the Centers for Disease Control (hereinafter referred to as the CDC) explains as follows:
1. The discovery of this case is credited to the diligent and vigilant staff of the Health Bureau’s epidemic investigation, who identified a common source and acts that violate sexual autonomy, and proactively linked to social affairs and police departments. This enabled a comprehensive investigation, and we also thank the social affairs units, prosecutors, police, and education sectors for their collaborative effort. During the investigation, the Ministry of Health and Welfare proactively established a central and local task force, integrating health, social, and educational resources to assist relevant agencies in cooperating and providing appropriate medical and support services to those involved in the case.
2. This case was investigated in cooperation between the local government health bureau and prosecutorial and investigative units. Throughout the process, health education counseling, screening, and medical treatment for infected individuals have been provided, along with case management and psychological support counseling. Public health personnel have also offered health education, screening, and referral to preventive services for relevant sexual contacts. Through epidemic investigation and contact tracing testing, proactive measures for epidemic prevention and control have been undertaken, and the overall epidemic risk has been assessed as being within a controllable range.
3. According to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Prevention and Patient Rights Protection Act, the Communicable Disease Control Act (hereinafter referred to as the CDC Act) Article 10, and the Personal Data Protection Act (hereinafter referred to as the PDPA) Article 6, among other relevant provisions, information about individuals infected with a communicable disease must be kept confidential, and the privacy and rights of those individuals must be fully protected. Without the individual's consent, reporting or disseminating personal health information is prohibited, and measures must be taken to avoid indirectly exposing the victim's privacy or causing further harm. Violators will be fined NT$90,000 to NT$450,000 in accordance with Article 64 of the CDC Act.
4. The CDC urges to avoid unsafe sexual behaviors, including vaginal intercourse, oral sex, and anal sex, all of which carry a risk of transmitting sexually transmitted infections. During sexual activity, condoms should be used correctly throughout, along with water‑based lubricants, to prevent injuries that can damage mucous membranes and accelerate transmission. If the public has a risk of infection, they can access various STI screening and counseling services provided by the CDC, local health bureaus, and medical institutions, including anonymous testing, self‑testing, outreach testing, and sexual‑health‑friendly clinics, to understand their health status, detect and treat early, and protect the health of themselves and their partners. Relevant information can be found on the CDC website’s “Anonymous STI Consultation and Screening” section (http://at.cdc.gov.tw/T1tV51) or sexual‑health‑friendly clinic (https://gov.tw/3up) for inquiry, or call the 1922 epidemic prevention hotline, with staff assisting in referring to relevant service resources.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Data compiled by: Gankuan Office
