HIV Clinic Accidentally Reveals 780 Patients
HIV is easily one of the worst infections someone can contract. It attacks the immune system, decreasing the ability to stop the disease. The World Health Organization is estimating that about 35 million people in the world are currently living with the infection at the moment. Unfortunately, one of London’s top HIV clinics accidentally released the identities of around 780 people. Their names and addresses were leaked online.
The clinic, at 56 Dean Street, included the data within an online newsletter that was sent out earlier this week. The newsletter was said to give details for treatments and support available to those living with HIV.
Speaking to The Guardian, Elliot Herman, a 38-year-old man living within London, has said the clinic’s slip-up means many people discovered he was living with HIV. He said: “It’s not difficult to put those names into Facebook and bring up their profiles and personal details. If my details were on that list I would feel angry and disappointed at the clinic for having such a shit system that this can happen.”
Anyone affected by this leak should contact their local NHS HIV support service.
