Following a report that a gay porn actor likely infected another man with HIV on set, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has warned that testing alone is insufficient to prevent the spread of the virus.
In the report released last week, the CDC said that after testing negative in 2014, the 25-year-old gay porn performer had unprotected sex with 12 other performers as well as five non-work partners.
According to the report, “the performer, having tested negative by nucleic acid amplification test within the preceding 14 days, and unaware of his very recent HIV infection, infected another performer and a non–work-related partner.”
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The report also found that none of the men involved, including those who did not contract the virus, were taking PrEP.
It concludes:
“The high prevalence of STIs within this network of sexual partners, including performers, emphasizes the importance of consistent condom use. In addition to complying with regulatory requirements under OSHA standards, the adult film industry should consider the implementation of combination HIV prevention strategies, including biomedical (HIV testing, treatment, and PrEP) and behavioral (consistent and correct use of condoms) interventions.”
In December, we reported that Californians are set to vote later this year on a ballot initiative that would require adult film actors to wear condoms for their scenes.