An adult film (porn) actor who tested positive to HIV did not infect other people, says the Adult Industry Medical Healthcare Foundation. Two generations of partners of the anonymously named Patient Zeta – individuals he came into sexual contact with both personally and professionally – all tested negative for HIV. Tests were carried out twice “using multiple testing methods”.

The Foundation adds that Patient Zeta did not become infected as a result of his professional activities – acting in porn films without using a condom. He acquired HIV through his private and personal activity.

In a communiqué, the Adult Industry Medical Healthcare Foundation wrote:

..there was no transmission of the HIV virus from Patient Zeta to anyone else.

The Foundation informs that the testing protocols, which are voluntarily implemented by the industry, affirms the efficacy of its system.

The Foundation added:

It is regrettable but inevitable that people continue to acquire the HIV virus in their personal life.

According to the foundation, only one incident of HIV transmission while acting on set has occurred over the last ten years – what it describes as “a remarkable record”.

Vivid Entertainment, a major adult film maker, says production will resume on Monday now that actors and staff have been given the all clear.

The Foundation also announced that the individual who infected Patient Zeta now knows about their HIV status.

When Patient Zeta was found to be HIV-positive, there was fear within and outside the Californian adult film industry about the spread of the disease. A significant number of film makers stopped work.

According to Californian health authorities, at least 8 porn actors have tested positive for HIV since 2004, when an outbreak occurred.

As the Adult Industry Medical Healthcare Foundation (AIM) does not liaise with health authorities in the same way as other health providers do, Dr. Jonathan Fielding, Los Angeles County Public Health Director said the test results cannot be confirmed.

Fielding said:

We haven’t gotten much beyond what AIM is legally required to report to us.

Californian health authorities say the Foundation’s announcement cannot be seen as absolute proof of the safety of unprotected sex on the set.

Over the years several groups and individuals have called for the compulsory use of condoms during filming. However, the industry claims their sales would drop significantly. Some in the industry add that such legislation could drive the industry underground.

Source: Adult Industry Medical Healthcare Foundation

Written by Christian Nordqvist