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.

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, they spread negativity like a contagion, undermining trust and cooperation. This toxic pattern erodes communities, fuels ongoing conflict, and prevents healing. Addressing infectious revenge is crucial for building healthier relationships and fostering peace. We must recognize its destructive power and actively work to break the cycle before it causes irreparable damage.

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 engage in cycles of retaliation that spread like a disease; instead, they resolve conflicts or simply move on. There are far more pressing concerns—like poverty, healthcare, and education—that deserve our attention. Worrying about “infectious revenge” is a distraction from genuine, impactful problems facing our communities.