A virus from an unidentified San Diego resident is one of two samples being studied to see if either might be the source of the strain that recently emerged in New York, according to an article in Monday's New York Times.

The New York man is believed to have a rare, aggressive, drug-resistant form of HIV.

Public Safety Paramount

"There is a lot we do not know about this, and much more research must be done to get answers," said Nancy Bowen, M.D., San Diego County Health Officer. "We do not wish to frighten anyone unnecessarily. However, we want the public to know that this investigation is taking place and to continue to emphasize guidelines that keep the HIV virus from spreading."

Scientists emphasize that there are other factors that can weaken the immune system, including genetics and drug use, Dr. Bowen said.

HHSA is sending alerts to local health care and service providers so that they may issue health advisories to their patients and keep them informed, she added.

Basic HIV-Prevention Advice

Protection guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention include the following:

• Abstain from sexual intercourse.

• Engage in sexual intercourse only in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and you know is uninfected.

• Use condoms correctly and consistently. Use of a condom can reduce the risk of STD transmission. However, no protective method is 100 percent effective. The more sex partners you have, the greater your chances are of getting HIV or other diseases passed through sex.

• Don't share needles and syringes.