Infectious revenge

Vindictive transmission of disease
Wilful transmission of HIV
Intentional spread of sexually transmitted diseases
Deliberate transmission of AIDS

Nature

Intentionally infecting others with diseases such as AIDS and herpes. Revenge against society or a individual has lead people to bite and spit, to sell blood, to share needles and have sex with as many people as possible to infect them. Some male and female prostitutes have spread the disease because they do not care what happens to the client. Continuing with an active sex life for some is a way of denying the fact they have the disease; for others to avoid the anticipation of dying a horrible death alone. Intentionally spreading disease through sexual relations is claimed to be used as one way to fight the "war between the sexes" or eliminate minorities.

Background

The global significance of infectious revenge emerged in the late 20th century, as sociologists and conflict researchers documented cycles of retaliatory harm spreading through communities and across borders. Case studies from regions experiencing protracted violence revealed how acts of vengeance could escalate, becoming self-perpetuating and socially contagious. Increasingly, international organizations and peacebuilding initiatives recognized infectious revenge as a critical barrier to reconciliation, prompting focused research and policy responses in the early 21st century.

Incidence

During the war in Rwanda, large numbers of Tutsi women report being deliberately raped by Hutu soldiers with AIDS in order to transmit to them the HIV virus.

Claim

Infectious revenge is a deeply troubling societal problem that perpetuates cycles of harm and hostility. When individuals or groups retaliate, their actions often spread like a contagion, fueling further resentment and violence. This toxic pattern undermines trust, fractures communities, and prevents genuine healing. Ignoring the dangers of infectious revenge allows bitterness to fester, making reconciliation impossible. Addressing this issue is crucial for building healthier, more compassionate societies and breaking the destructive cycle once and for all.

Counter-claim

“Infectious revenge” is not an important problem whatsoever. The concept is more a dramatic buzzword than a real societal issue. Most people do not seek revenge in contagious, epidemic-like ways; human behavior is far more nuanced. There are far more pressing concerns—public health, poverty, and education, for example—that deserve our attention and resources. Worrying about “infectious revenge” is a distraction from the real challenges facing our communities.