BANGKOK, Thailand(AP)-Vietnamese medical authorities say 76 persons have proved to

be HIV-positive-the highest number reported there to date.

The Vietnam News Agency said Oct. 4 that of the 76 cases, 68 were foreigners, three

were overseas Vietnamese returning home to get married, and five were Vietnamese

citizens from southern Vietnam.

The tests were conducted by the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh city. It said one

HIV-positive case was known to have been detected in northern Vietnam.

Authorities fear that the growth of prostitution in Ho Chi Minh city will spread

the virus rapidly.