LA County backtracks on HIV cases in porn industry

Associated Press

Wednesday June 17, 2009

Los Angeles County public health officials are backtracking on the number of HIV cases in adult film performers.

The county released data to the Los Angeles Times last week disclosing at least 16 previously unpublicized cases since 2004.

The cases had been reported to the county by the Adult Industry Medical Foundation, clinic that serves the porn industry but also has other patients.

The Times reported Tuesday that the department now says the occupations of those who tested positive were unclear.

Clinic co-founder Sharon Mitchell told the Times that none of the HIV cases the county disclosed last week involved active performers.

It was revealed last week that a female porn performer had recently tested HIV positive.

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