New American HIV/AIDS statistics released

February 20, 2009The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released new surveillance data for 2007. The report presents estimated numbers of HIV infection cases from 34 states and 5 U.S. dependant areas.

Results show that the number of newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS cases increased by 15% from 2004 to 2007. However it is thought that this is down to improved reporting and testing. The numbers of newly diagnosed AIDS cases and deaths of those with AIDS both decreased and it is thought this is largely due to more people accessing treatment and therefore being able to slow the progression of the disease.

Whilst the results suggest that measures to encourage testing are having a positive effect, more needs to be done to try and reduce the numbers of new HIV infections in America.

(CDC Website 20.02.09)