HIV infections higher than previously thought

New testing methods used to test for virus

Tools

HIV infections higher than previously thought

By NBCAugusta Producers

Story Published: Aug 2, 2008 at 9:36 PM EST

Story Updated: Aug 11, 2008 at 12:42 PM EST

ATLANTA (AP) - The number of Americans infected by the AIDS virus
each year is higher than the government has been estimating.
That's according to a new report by U.S. health officials.

The country had roughly 56,300 new HIV infections in 2006 _ a
dramatic increase from the 40,000 annual estimate used for the last
dozen years. Officials say the new figures are due to a better
blood test and new statistical methods. They say they're not due to
a worsening of the epidemic.

But the new numbers will likely refocus U.S. attention from the
effect of AIDS overseas to what the disease is doing closer to
home.

A spokesman for the National Alliance of State and Territorial
AIDS Directors says "This is the biggest news for public health
and HIV/AIDS that we've had in a while.''

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 500 Characters Left

Comments are moderated and will not appear on this story until after they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting.

WAGT and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

WAGT Weather

Click here for 7 Day Forecast
Icon
Current Temp 53 °F
Overcast
More Weather

WAGT Weather

On Demand

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

What's On Tonight Full Schedule

Viewer Poll

Did you vote in the runoff election?

  • Yes, I voted today
  • Yes, I voted early
  • No, I did not vote this time