Colorado AIDS Project | U.S. Statistics

Colorado AIDS Project | HIV | U.S. Statistics

Number of new HIV infections each year: 40,000

Number of people living with HIV/AIDS: 1.2 million, including more than 400,000 with AIDS

Number of deaths among people with AIDS in 2005: 17,011

Percent of people with HIV/AIDS not in care: 42%-59%

Percent of people infected with HIV who don’t know it: 25%

Overview and Key Trends

Of the more than one million people estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS, approximately 34% are estimated to have AIDS, 42% to be HIV positive but not yet progressed to AIDS, and the remainder undiagnosed.
The AIDS case surveillance system is one of the most complete in the U.S., providing data from all states/areas over most of the course of the epidemic. As of the end of 2005, an estimated 988,376 AIDS cases had occurred in the U.S., including 45,669 in 2005 alone.
After years of declines in AIDS diagnoses due to HAART, however, which has slowed the progression from HIV to AIDS, AIDS diagnoses have been on the rise since 2002, and increased by 12% between 2004 and 2005.
Because AIDS cases do not provide a current understanding of the epidemic, given the lag time between HIV infection and progression to AIDS, all states have or will soon move to confidential names-based HIV reporting, which will provide a fuller picture of the epidemic over time (still, a new HIV diagnosis is not necessarily a new HIV infection). Among the 37 states/areas that have conducted confidential names-based HIV reporting for a sufficient length of time, there were an estimated 38,133 HIV/AIDS cases in 2005 (these states represent approximately 63% of reported AIDS cases).2
As of the end of 2005, an estimated 550,394 deaths among people with AIDS had occurred, including 17,011 in 2005.
HIV-related mortality rates rose steadily through the 1980’s, peaking in 1994-1995.10 Since then, the age-adjusted HIV death rate has declined by more than 70%, including a 4% decline between 2002 and 2003,10,11 largely due to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), but also to the decrease in annual new HIV infections in the 1990s compared to the prior decade. In 2003, HIV was the 6th leading cause of death for those aged 25-44,10 down from #1 in 1995.12
HIV transmission patterns have shifted over time. Heterosexual transmission accounts for a growing proportion of newly diagnosed AIDS cases, rising from 3% in 1985 to 31% in 2005. Over that same period, the share of new AIDS diagnoses attributable to sex between men fell from 65% to 43%. The share due to injection drug use was 19% in 1985, peaking at 31% in 1993, and dropping to 20% in 2005.

Impact Across the Country

AIDS cases have been reported in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. dependencies, possessions, and associated nations. Ten states/areas account for 71% of cumulative reported AIDS cases; these same states also rank as the top 10 for cases reported in 2005, accounting for 67% of cases. The top ten states by cumulative reported AIDS cases and by AIDS case rate per 100,000 differ, as the latter reflects the concentration of the epidemic after accounting for differences in the size of state populations (AIDS cases have been concentrated primarily in large U.S. metropolitan areas (85% cumulatively, and 81% in 2005), although an increasing share is occurring in rural areas. The top ten metropolitan areas account for 52% of cumulative reported AIDS cases. Two of these areas were no longer in the top ten for cases reported in 2005.
By region, the Northeast had the highest AIDS case rate per 100,000 in 2005 (22.2), followed by the South (18.4), West (10.1), and Midwest (8.2).The South has the greatest number of people estimated to be living with AIDS, AIDS deaths, and new AIDS diagnoses, followed by the Northeast, West, and Midwest.2 Between 2001 and 2005, AIDS cases increased the fastest in the Midwest (38%), followed by the South (19%). Over this same period, deaths decreased in all regions but the South.

Impact on Racial and Ethnic Minorities

Racial and ethnic minorities have been disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS since the beginning of the epidemic, and now represent the majority of new AIDS cases (71%) and people living with AIDS (64%) in 2005.
Blacks and Latinos account for a disproportionate share of new AIDS diagnoses; they also account for a disproportionate share of new HIV/AIDS diagnoses in the 37 states/areas with confidential names-based HIV reporting.
Based on the CDC’s HIV/AIDS prevalence estimate,3 there are more than 500,000 Blacks living with HIV and AIDS in the U.S. and more than 200,000 Latinos. Analysis of national household survey data from found that more than 2% of Blacks in the U.S. were HIV positive, higher than any other group.
Blacks also have the highest AIDS case rates of any racial/ethnic group, followed by Latinos, American Indian/Alaska Natives, whites, and Asian/Pacific Islanders. The AIDS case rate per 100,000 for Blacks was more than 9 times that of whites in 2005. Blacks accounted for 55% of deaths due to HIV in 2003; Latinos accounted for 14%. Survival after an AIDS diagnosis is lower for Blacks than other racial/ethnic groups.
HIV was the 3rd leading cause of death among Blacks between the ages of 25 and 34 in 2002, and the 6th leading cause of death for Latinos and whites in this age group. It ranks higher for some subpopulations—HIV was the #1 cause of death for Black women, aged 25-34, in 2002.

Impact on Women and Young People

Women account for a growing share of new AIDS diagnoses, rising from 8% in 1985 to 27% in 2005. Based on the CDC’s HIV/AIDS prevalence estimate,3 approximately 300,000 women are living with HIV and AIDS in the U.S.
Women of color are particularly affected. Black women account for two thirds (67%) of new AIDS cases among women in 2005; Latinas account for 16%.2
Young adults and teens, under the age of 25, continue to be at risk. Most young people are infected through sex.
Among youth, teen girls and minorities have been particularly affected. In 2004, teen girls represented 43% of AIDS cases reported among 13-19 year olds. Black teens represented 73% of cases reported among 13-19 years olds; Latino teens represented 14%
- Perinatal HIV transmission has declined significantly in the U.S., largely due to antiretroviral treatment. Still, perinatal infections continue to occur each year, the majority of which are among Blacks.

Impact on Men Who Have Sex with Men

Despite declines in HIV infection rates among men who have sex with men (MSM) since the early years of the epidemic, they continue to be at high risk for infection, accounting for an estimated 58% of AIDS diagnoses among men in 2005, a share which has increased in recent years.2 Studies indicate that risk behavior continues among MSM and that they are at significantly greater risk for HIV infection than other groups in the U.S.
Younger MSM and MSM of color are at particularly high risk. CDC studies have found high HIV incidence and prevalence among MSM in some cities, particularly among Black and Latino MSM, and low levels of awareness of infection status among those with HIV.

The U.S. Government Response

In FY 2006, U.S. federal funding for HIV/AIDS is estimated to total $21.1 billion. Of this, 58% is for care, 13% for research, 10% for cash and housing assistance, 4% for prevention, and 15% for combating the international epidemic.
Key programs that provide health insurance coverage, care, and support to people with HIV/AIDS in the U.S. include Medicaid, Medicare, and the Ryan White CARE Act.
A variety of federally and state-supported prevention services are provided by state and local health departments and community organizations. The CDC’s Advancing HIV Prevention Initiative is aimed at reducing barriers to early diagnosis of HIV infection and increasing access to medical care, treatment, and prevention services. CDC recently released testing recommendations calling for routine HIV testing of all adults, aged 13-64, in medical care settings.

Source Kaiser Family Foundation


	Colorado AIDS Project \| HIV \| U.S. Statistics Number of new HIV infections each year: 40,000 Number of people living with HIV/AIDS: 1.2 million, including more than 400,000 with AIDS Number of deaths among people with AIDS in 2005: 17,011 Percent of people with HIV/AIDS not in care: 42%-59% Percent of people infected with HIV who don’t know it: 25% Overview and Key Trends Of the more than one million people estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS, approximately 34% are estimated to have AIDS, 42% to be HIV positive but not yet progressed to AIDS, and the remainder undiagnosed. The AIDS case surveillance system is one of the most complete in the U.S., providing data from all states/areas over most of the course of the epidemic. As of the end of 2005, an estimated 988,376 AIDS cases had occurred in the U.S., including 45,669 in 2005 alone. After years of declines in AIDS diagnoses due to HAART, however, which has slowed the progression from HIV to AIDS, AIDS diagnoses have been on the rise since 2002, and increased by 12% between 2004 and 2005. Because AIDS cases do not provide a current understanding of the epidemic, given the lag time between HIV infection and progression to AIDS, all states have or will soon move to confidential names-based HIV reporting, which will provide a fuller picture of the epidemic over time (still, a new HIV diagnosis is not necessarily a new HIV infection). Among the 37 states/areas that have conducted confidential names-based HIV reporting for a sufficient length of time, there were an estimated 38,133 HIV/AIDS cases in 2005 (these states represent approximately 63% of reported AIDS cases).2 As of the end of 2005, an estimated 550,394 deaths among people with AIDS had occurred, including 17,011 in 2005. HIV-related mortality rates rose steadily through the 1980’s, peaking in 1994-1995.10 Since then, the age-adjusted HIV death rate has declined by more than 70%, including a 4% decline between 2002 and 2003,10,11 largely due to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), but also to the decrease in annual new HIV infections in the 1990s compared to the prior decade. In 2003, HIV was the 6th leading cause of death for those aged 25-44,10 down from #1 in 1995.12 HIV transmission patterns have shifted over time. Heterosexual transmission accounts for a growing proportion of newly diagnosed AIDS cases, rising from 3% in 1985 to 31% in 2005. Over that same period, the share of new AIDS diagnoses attributable to sex between men fell from 65% to 43%. The share due to injection drug use was 19% in 1985, peaking at 31% in 1993, and dropping to 20% in 2005. Impact Across the Country AIDS cases have been reported in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. dependencies, possessions, and associated nations. Ten states/areas account for 71% of cumulative reported AIDS cases; these same states also rank as the top 10 for cases reported in 2005, accounting for 67% of cases. The top ten states by cumulative reported AIDS cases and by AIDS case rate per 100,000 differ, as the latter reflects the concentration of the epidemic after accounting for differences in the size of state populations (AIDS cases have been concentrated primarily in large U.S. metropolitan areas (85% cumulatively, and 81% in 2005), although an increasing share is occurring in rural areas. The top ten metropolitan areas account for 52% of cumulative reported AIDS cases. Two of these areas were no longer in the top ten for cases reported in 2005. By region, the Northeast had the highest AIDS case rate per 100,000 in 2005 (22.2), followed by the South (18.4), West (10.1), and Midwest (8.2).The South has the greatest number of people estimated to be living with AIDS, AIDS deaths, and new AIDS diagnoses, followed by the Northeast, West, and Midwest.2 Between 2001 and 2005, AIDS cases increased the fastest in the Midwest (38%), followed by the South (19%). Over this same period, deaths decreased in all regions but the South. Impact on Racial and Ethnic Minorities Racial and ethnic minorities have been disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS since the beginning of the epidemic, and now represent the majority of new AIDS cases (71%) and people living with AIDS (64%) in 2005. Blacks and Latinos account for a disproportionate share of new AIDS diagnoses; they also account for a disproportionate share of new HIV/AIDS diagnoses in the 37 states/areas with confidential names-based HIV reporting. Based on the CDC’s HIV/AIDS prevalence estimate,3 there are more than 500,000 Blacks living with HIV and AIDS in the U.S. and more than 200,000 Latinos. Analysis of national household survey data from found that more than 2% of Blacks in the U.S. were HIV positive, higher than any other group. Blacks also have the highest AIDS case rates of any racial/ethnic group, followed by Latinos, American Indian/Alaska Natives, whites, and Asian/Pacific Islanders. The AIDS case rate per 100,000 for Blacks was more than 9 times that of whites in 2005. Blacks accounted for 55% of deaths due to HIV in 2003; Latinos accounted for 14%. Survival after an AIDS diagnosis is lower for Blacks than other racial/ethnic groups. HIV was the 3rd leading cause of death among Blacks between the ages of 25 and 34 in 2002, and the 6th leading cause of death for Latinos and whites in this age group. It ranks higher for some subpopulations—HIV was the #1 cause of death for Black women, aged 25-34, in 2002. Impact on Women and Young People Women account for a growing share of new AIDS diagnoses, rising from 8% in 1985 to 27% in 2005. Based on the CDC’s HIV/AIDS prevalence estimate,3 approximately 300,000 women are living with HIV and AIDS in the U.S. Women of color are particularly affected. Black women account for two thirds (67%) of new AIDS cases among women in 2005; Latinas account for 16%.2 Young adults and teens, under the age of 25, continue to be at risk. Most young people are infected through sex. Among youth, teen girls and minorities have been particularly affected. In 2004, teen girls represented 43% of AIDS cases reported among 13-19 year olds. Black teens represented 73% of cases reported among 13-19 years olds; Latino teens represented 14% Perinatal HIV transmission has declined significantly in the U.S., largely due to antiretroviral treatment. Still, perinatal infections continue to occur each year, the majority of which are among Blacks. Impact on Men Who Have Sex with Men Despite declines in HIV infection rates among men who have sex with men (MSM) since the early years of the epidemic, they continue to be at high risk for infection, accounting for an estimated 58% of AIDS diagnoses among men in 2005, a share which has increased in recent years.2 Studies indicate that risk behavior continues among MSM and that they are at significantly greater risk for HIV infection than other groups in the U.S. Younger MSM and MSM of color are at particularly high risk. CDC studies have found high HIV incidence and prevalence among MSM in some cities, particularly among Black and Latino MSM, and low levels of awareness of infection status among those with HIV. The U.S. Government Response In FY 2006, U.S. federal funding for HIV/AIDS is estimated to total $21.1 billion. Of this, 58% is for care, 13% for research, 10% for cash and housing assistance, 4% for prevention, and 15% for combating the international epidemic. Key programs that provide health insurance coverage, care, and support to people with HIV/AIDS in the U.S. include Medicaid, Medicare, and the Ryan White CARE Act. A variety of federally and state-supported prevention services are provided by state and local health departments and community organizations. The CDC’s Advancing HIV Prevention Initiative is aimed at reducing barriers to early diagnosis of HIV infection and increasing access to medical care, treatment, and prevention services. CDC recently released testing recommendations calling for routine HIV testing of all adults, aged 13-64, in medical care settings. Source Kaiser Family Foundation