Probe Launched into Bali Tattoo HIV Infection Report

"At this point, we are still investigating. We can't say for sure if the patient caught the virus from getting a tattoo or sexual contact," he added.

There are currently 4,200 HIV/AIDS cases on Bali, Sutedja said.

Australian health authorities on Friday said a patient diagnosed with HIV probably contracted the virus while being tattooed on the island. They did not reveal any details of the individual concerned.

More than a million tourists visit Bali every year to enjoy its white, surf beaches, nightlife and Hindu culture.

Indonesian officials said last year that the number of known HIV/AIDS cases on Bali was soaring, with one in four prostitutes reported to be HIV-positive and the number of infections jumping almost 19 percent from the year before.

Source: AFP