Monte Kobey Contracts AIDS Virus

Monte Kobey, operator of the San Diego Sports Arena Swap Meet, has contracted the AIDS virus from blood transfusions and is undergoing treatment, his family announced Friday.

Kobey is in stable condition at Alvarado Hospital Medical Center, said Tom Berger, a hospital spokesman, who confirmed that Kobey had contracted the virus.

Responding to a number of inquiries, Kobey’s family issued a statement Friday saying that Kobey, 52, was diagnosed as having the virus after being hospitalized on Aug. 29 for a “serious” brain infection. “In treating his infection,” the statement said, “his (Kobey’s) physicians determined the presence of the AIDS virus.”

Bernie Rhinerson, a family spokesman, said the brain infection is linked to the presence of the AIDS virus, which attacks victims’ immune systems and leaves them vulnerable to a variety of ailments.

Investigators have found that AIDS is most commonly transmitted through sexual contact, blood transfusions and intravenous drug use.

Kobey contracted AIDS from transfusions received at a time when medical personnel were unable to check blood for the presence of the virus, the statement said. It did not say when Kobey received the transfusions, which were given in conjunction with an unspecified medical treatment.

“Mr. Kobey’s condition is improving, and his family is looking forward to his return home in the near future,” the family said.

Further details about Kobey’s condition were not available.

Family members have declined to comment beyond the statement, said Rhinerson.

The family decided to issue a statement, Rhinerson said, after receiving numerous inquiries from the press and others about Kobey’s condition.

Kobey, who also operates a swap meet in the former Walker Scott building downtown, is divorced and the father of three children, ages 18 to 29.