2006 Statistics

HIV/AIDS Diagnoses

At the end of 2006, an estimated 2,000,000 to 2,500,000 persons in the United States were living with HIV/AIDS [1]. In 2006, 62,000 cases of HIV/AIDS were reported from the 33 areas (32 states and the US Virgin Islands) with long-term, confidential name-based HIV reporting [2]. When all 50 states are considered, CDC estimates that approximately 40,000 persons become infected with HIV each year [1].

By Exposure

In 2006, men who have sex with men (MSM) represented the largest proportion of HIV/AIDS diagnoses, followed by adults and adolescents infected through heterosexual contact.

Exposure categories of adults and adolescents
who received a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS, 2006

HIV/AIDS includes persons with a diagnosis of HIV infection (not AIDS), a diagnosis of HIV infection and a later diagnosis of AIDS, or concurrent diagnoses of HIV infection and AIDS.

By Sex

In 2006, almost three quarters of HIV/AIDS diagnoses were made for male adolescents and
adults.

Sex of adults and adolescents who received
a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS, 2006

By Race/Ethnicity

Persons of minority races and ethnicities are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. In 2006, African Americans, who make up approximately 12% of the US population, accounted for half of the HIV/AIDS cases diagnosed.

Race/ethnicity of persons (including children)
who received a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS, 2003

Trends in AIDS Diagnoses and Deaths

During the mid-to-late 1990s, advances in treatment slowed the progression of HIV infection to AIDS and led to dramatic decreases in AIDS deaths. Although the decrease in AIDS deaths continues (3% decrease from 1999 through 2003), the number of AIDS diagnoses increased an estimated 4% during that period [2].

Better treatments have also led to an increasing number of persons in the United States who are living with AIDS. From the end of 1999 through the end of 2006, the number of persons in the United States who were living with AIDS increased from 311,205 to 405,926—an increase of 30% [2].

References

• Glynn M, Rhodes P. Estimated HIV prevalence in the United States at the end of 2003. National HIV Prevention Conference; June 2005; Atlanta. Abstract 595.
• CDC. HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report, 2003 (Vol. 15). Atlanta: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC; 2004:1–46. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/stats/2003surveillancereport.pdf. Accessed March 16, 2005.