HIV/AIDS in U.S. 40% Higher than Previously Reported

The CDC issued a report that says HIV/AIDS infections have been worse than previously reported in the U.S. Results indicate that approximately 56,300 new HIV infections occurred in the United States in 2006. This figure is roughly 40% higher than CDC’s former estimate of 40,000 infections per year, which was based on limited data and less precise methods (see “Historical Challenges in Tracking HIV Infections”). Because HIV/AIDS is usually detected years after being first contracted, tracking its real annual incidence has been challenging. Using new surveillance based on an approach known as STARHS (serologic testing algorithm for recent HIV seroconversion), researchers can differentiate new cases of HIV/AIDS within five months of contraction.

Source: Centers for Disease Control (CDC)