A short blurb in the Washington Post states that Brazilian health authorities have launched a campaign encouraging people to use condoms if they engage in sex during the Carnival celebrations. The main reason for this campaign is to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. The campaign is intended for everyone, but especially targets young females. One of the television advertisements that is being broadcasted shows a young female telling her friends that they should carry condoms since Carnival is approaching. Otherwise, they shouldn't have sex.
This article reminded me of how social and cultural activities can greatly facilitate the transmission of a disease. Bringing large numbers of people into one geographical region for an event frequented by casual sexual activity can greatly increase the spread of a virus like HIV, even if the virus is not easily transmitted compared to viruses that transmit via respiratory routes.
Link:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/25/AR2011022503709.html
-Autumn
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