Public health experts in Panama are issuing urgent warnings about the potential for a spike in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV transmission during the country’s massive Carnival festivities. The annual celebration, which draws hundreds of thousands of revelers for days of parades, music, and parties, creates a unique environment where reduced inhibitions and high alcohol consumption can lead to risky sexual behavior. Officials stress that the goal is not to curb the celebration but to promote a culture of prevention and awareness among participants.
Dr. Orlando Quintero, executive director of the Pro-Vida Foundation, confirmed that his organization intensifies its public health campaigns every year to coincide with the Carnival season. He points to a documented pattern of increased sexual activity and decreased use of protection during the holiday period. The combination of fatigue, constant partying, and a collective “time-out” from normal life often lowers personal guards, he explained. This creates a perfect storm for the transmission of infections that can have lifelong consequences.
“From now on, everyone is in ‘Carnival mode,’ and that shift basically means I am going to spend four days having fun, living what I have not lived at least for the rest of the year,” said Dr. Orlando Quintero. [Translated from Spanish]
The immediate next steps for health authorities involve a widespread distribution of condoms and informational materials at major Carnival venues. Community health workers are also being deployed to key celebration areas to offer rapid testing referrals and to educate party-goers about emergency post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). The message is clear, officials say: enjoy the festivities, but do so with a clear mind and protective measures in place.
The Dangers of “Carnival Mode” and Unprotected Contact
Dr. Quintero insists the problem is not the festival itself but the specific excesses that accompany it for a significant number of attendees. He describes a scenario where heavy alcohol and sometimes drug use merges with a “live the wild life” mentality. This leads to a total abandonment of caution. In the midst of long party hours, heat, and exhaustion, casual sexual encounters become more frequent. Many of these encounters happen without any form of protection against sexually transmitted infections.
The health risk from a single unprotected contact is severe and multifaceted. A person could contract chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis. They could also become infected with HIV. Unplanned pregnancies are another major concern. Quintero highlighted the particular danger of congenital syphilis, which occurs when a pregnant person passes the infection to their baby. He attributes much of the risk to a lack of consistent, ingrained condom use culture in Panama. When judgment is impaired by substances, the likelihood of having unprotected sex with a new acquaintance increases dramatically.
“When you overdo it with alcohol, you get drunk, a lot of things can happen. You have a sexual relationship, without thinking you go to bed with someone you don’t even know and you have a relationship without any type of protection,” Quintero explained. [Translated from Spanish]
Unlike bacterial STIs which can often be cured with a course of antibiotics, HIV remains a chronic condition requiring lifelong treatment. This fundamental difference makes prevention absolutely critical. Quintero emphasized that while other infections are treatable, an HIV diagnosis means a permanent commitment to medication and healthcare management. The financial, physical, and emotional costs are profound.
The Silent Threat of Asymptomatic HIV Transmission
One factor that most worries health organizations is the asymptomatic nature of early HIV infection. An infected individual can live for years, even over a decade, without showing any clear signs or symptoms that would indicate they carry the virus. They can continue their daily life and unknowingly transmit HIV to sexual partners. This silent transmission is a primary driver of the epidemic. Quintero stressed that the only way to determine HIV status is through a specific test.
Current estimates suggest approximately 31,000 people in Panama are living with HIV. A significant percentage of these individuals are unaware of their positive status. This lack of knowledge keeps the chain of transmission actively burning. Data for 2024 showed 1,875 reported cases of HIV and AIDS combined. The most affected age group for both HIV and AIDS diagnoses falls between 20 and 29 years old. These statistics underscore why Carnival, which attracts a massive youth demographic, is such a focal point for prevention efforts.
“HIV remains for 3, 5, 10 and in some cases up to 15 years without a single sign or symptom that says you are infected with the virus. The only thing that can determine if you are infected is the HIV test,” warned Quintero. [Translated from Spanish]
This long asymptomatic window makes regular testing, especially after potential exposure, a cornerstone of public health strategy. Knowing one’s status is the first step to accessing life-saving treatment and preventing further spread. Health campaigns now aggressively promote testing as a normal part of healthcare, not something to be feared.
A Narrow Window for Emergency Prevention
If a person does have unprotected sex or another potential exposure to HIV, an emergency measure exists. It is called Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). This is a short course of antiretroviral drugs that can prevent the virus from taking hold if started in time. The treatment must begin within the first 72 hours after exposure, with effectiveness being highest when started within the first 24 hours.
Dr. Quintero provided a critical timeline for the public. The ideal window for starting PEP is within the first six hours post-exposure. Efficacy remains very high between six and 24 hours. The medication becomes progressively less effective as more time elapses after the 72-hour cutoff. This creates a race against the clock for individuals who recognize they have been at risk. Accessing a clinic or emergency room quickly is essential. Public health messages now explicitly inform people about PEP and where to obtain it, aiming to remove barriers during a stressful moment.
“The ideal would be to take it in the first 6 hours post-exposure. From 6 to the first 24 hours it is more effective. The earlier the medication is taken post-exposure, that is, after having a sexual relationship, the better,” the doctor explained. [Translated from Spanish]
PEP is a powerful tool but it is not a substitute for consistent prevention methods like condom use. It is a last-resort emergency intervention. Health officials worry that knowledge of PEP could lead to risk compensation, where people engage in riskier behavior because they believe a “morning-after pill” for HIV exists. They counter this by emphasizing that PEP is not 100% effective and does not protect against other STIs or pregnancy.
Cultivating a Lasting Culture of Risk Awareness
The ultimate goal for Dr. Quintero and other advocates extends far beyond the four days of Carnival. They aim to foster a permanent “risk awareness” in the population. This means individuals automatically consider the potential health consequences of their actions in all aspects of life, including sexual activity. By internalizing this awareness, people can make informed choices to protect themselves and their partners.
Quintero makes a direct appeal for personal responsibility rooted in knowledge. He argues that true prevention happens when people understand exactly what they need to avoid to stay safe. This involves honest conversations about sexual health, destigmatizing condom use, and normalizing testing. The festive abandon of Carnival should not mean abandoning one’s health. The call is for celebration with consciousness, for joy without regret.
Panama’s health community sees Carnival not just as a challenge but as an opportunity. It is a moment when a huge cross-section of the country, particularly young adults, is gathered and accessible. The loud, colorful, and energetic atmosphere can be harnessed to deliver life-saving messages in creative ways. The hope is that the rhythm of the drums and the joy of the party can also carry a beat of caution and care, ensuring that the memories of Carnival are happy and healthy for everyone.