The Latest “Vital Signs” for the U.S. HIV Epidemic Suggest an Emergency

Only 28% of HIV-infected individuals in the U.S. have achieved virologic suppression, and the case-fatality rate remains high, especially in the South.

This year marked the 30th anniversary of the first reported cases of HIV/AIDS in the U.S. Although progress in treatment has been immense, the latest nationwide data illustrate the need for much greater effort across the spectrum of care.

CDC investigators combined data from the published literature and three national surveillance systems to get a snapshot of the HIV epidemic in the U.S. They estimate that in 2008, 1.2 million people in the U.S. were living with HIV infection, but only 80% had received a diagnosis. Approximately 77% of those diagnosed were linked to care within 3 to 4 months, but only 51% were retained in ongoing care. Of those receiving care, 89% were prescribed antiretrovirals, and of these, 77% had a viral load ≤200 copie…

Reviewing Author

Carlos del Rio, MD

The Latest “Vital Signs” for the U.S. HIV Epidemic Suggest an Emergency

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Reviewing Author