A 25-year-old HIV campaigner has reportedly died of AIDS-related illness in Scotland.
Ross Scott, of Kirkcaldy, found out he had HIV in early 2017 after he began to develop health problems. A week ago he was placed in hospice care and warned he didn’t have long to live.
It’s rare for people in the UK to die of AIDS-related illnesses, with the National Health Service immediately placing those diagnosed with HIV on antiretroviral therapy.
However, if they have lived with HIV for a long time without knowing, treatment can be less effective.
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Yesterday, local paper The Courier shared Ross’ story. Just hours after it was published, Ross lost his fight for life.
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Nathan Sparling, chief executive of HIV Scotland, said Ross’ case was “quite unique”, and encouraged everyone to get tested for HIV. All sexually-active gay men should be tested at least annually, or more often if they have multiple partners or believe they’ve put themselves at risk.
Sparling said, “You don’t often see people in the final stages of AIDS anymore.
“It just shows there’s a lot more work to do because it was a shock to me to see this particular incident.”
Ross’ mother, Karen Scott, told the paper her son first sought medical help in late 2016.
“He had a near-fatal infection in his nose and throat, and after numerous trips to the doctors, it was getting worse and worse, the antibiotics were not doing anything.”
It was first thought the infection was impetigo, and then MRSA.
“He ended up going into Ninewells Hospital,” his mother says. “There they discovered he was HIV positive, and he brought in 2017 with that life-changing news.
“It was a big shock to everyone.
“He knew he had nothing to fear and wanted to help educate other people, because even in this day and age people don’t understand a lot of things about HIV, such as how it is transmitted.
“But he was told in the summer he had AIDS and the doctors said they would be surprised if he makes it to Christmas.”
In a heartbreaking Facebook posting, Ross revealed his local pub had arranged a Christmas dinner for him early in case he didn’t live to see the holidays.
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After his diagnosis, Ross, a volunteer with Perthshire Pride, was open about his status and set about raising awareness of HIV via social media.
Perthshire Pride has said that it will rename one of its stages in his honor, The Ross William Robertson Scott Stage, at this year’s event.
A cousin of Scott’s, Julie Shand, 32, has set up a GoFundMe, to help cover his funeral costs. It has already hit two-thirds of its £3,000 target.
In an updated post this morning, she shared the news of Ross’ passing.
“Last night, 14/01/20, I received a call from Ross’ sister Katrina…Ross gained his angel wings. Ross died peacefully in hospice surrounded by family. Surrounded by love.”
Nathan Sparling, Chief Executive of HIV Scotland, told the Queerty, “Ross was a kind, passionate young man and the news of his passing is indeed incredibly sad.
“Having known Ross personally, I know that he would want nothing less than for anyone else to be in a similar position. It is incredibly important for anyone who may have been at risk of HIV to get tested and know their status.
“In his memory, we’ll be increasing our campaign around HIV Testing to reach more people with the key information, and to challenge stigma to work towards reducing the number of late diagnoses in Scotland.”
Hearing the news that Ross has sadly passed away. He was a passionate, caring young man who will be missed. Sending my thoughts to his family and friends. ? https://t.co/AyiK94th60
— Nathan Sparling (@nathansparkling) January 15, 2020
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PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
25 years old? What an absolute shame….
Brings me back to the horrific devastating early days of that plauge when some poor souls would get diagnosed and pass within weeks…
Either there is a different strain of the virus mutating or he contracted it at a very early age. With the new meds this sad story should be a sad reminder of the past, and a wake up call to get tested regularly…
Den
There are several different strains of HIV with varying degrees of virulence (all fatal if uncontrolled, some simply faster than others), and differing responses to the various anti-retroviral drugs.
HIV has a faster rate of mutation than any other virus apparently. Though most of the mutations are lethal, it still gives it the power to evolve resistance to drugs as well as the differing levels of speed with which it destroys the immune system if unchecked. I have always worried that some mutation will render it communicable through aerosol, like the flu. But perhaps that simply is impossible (hopefully) with its genome.
frankcar1965
He obviously had other things going on if he progressed to AIDS. No one should die anymore if treated. He did not get treated so his virus ran rampant, this is why you need treatment and must STAY on treatment. The virus cannot mutate if you are in treatment regardless of what the stupid Den below says. I know this because I have discussed it with my Infectious Disease doctor. “Den” needs to shut the fuuck up.
tf3.0
HIV is a terrible disease that if not caught is death, if caught requires massive medical response, expense, and time to address.
Please avoid catching it at all cost; I do.
Vince
Oh gee. Hiv is bad? I thought it was a healthy thing to get. Thanks for the advice!
Kangol2
HIV isn’t a disease, it’s a virus. What did you do, open a portal from 1985 and get stuck here in 2000?
Vince
I remember the days of getting diagnosed and ending up dead weeks later wasn’t unusual. However, he found out in January of 2017 and I presume was put on medication. However, he still dies in January of 2020 or 3 years later of an Aids related illness. Since it was the mystery illness that actually killed him I’m curious to what it was.
1898
the majority of AIDS deaths are due to pneumocystis pneumonia. it’s a fungal type of pneumonia rather than viral or bacterial. the vast majority of humans live their entire lives with low levels of this fungus in our lungs and our immune systems are able to keep it at bay, but when untreated HIV turns into full blown AIDS, all bets are off
Vince
Thanks for responding. I agree and it’s how the majority of my friends died. However, those were relatively quick deaths. If he died in say 2018 I would suspect that would be the case. He died 3 years later though so I’m just wondering what happened in between.
1898
this sad story ought to be a wake up call to people who aren’t getting tested regularly. once a year should be the absolute minimum but it really should be every three to six months if you’re sexually active, and that includes if you’re in a monogamous relationship. yes, you should trust that your partner is being just as monogamous as you are, but it’s also your life at stake. “trust but verify” as the saying goes
Me2
This is so extremely sad to hear! But Americans can look no further than the southern region of the United States and see that gay man are still dying from full blown AIDS. These days it seems so far removed from civil societies, but it’s still happening right under our noses and very few resources are being offered.
MaxH
People in the UK are very lucky to get access to HIV care that they do. Even though the health service is funded via taxation you don’t directly pay anything for your care of treatment. From the point of diagnosis to the point you collect your first 3 month prescription of antiretrovirals you pay £0. They also signpost patients to support groups and counsellors if needed.
charlie_jackpot
This is awful. Knowing can be scary but not knowing is worse.
The UK have a pretty good system, support along the way you’ll get the right treatment
nitejonboy
God bless you Ross. God be with his poor mother and get her through this rough time. God bless all the doctors and nurses.
Kangol2
Very sad news. Please, people, if you’re sexually active, get regularly tested. PrEP+condoms can prevent HIV transmission and seroconversion.
Tombear
Sad news especially in this day and age of anti retrovirals. He didn’t have to die. With proper medical care he would be alive today. Just sad.