AIDS in America - History

1981 is often referred to as the 'beginning' of AIDS, although it would be more accurate to refer to it as the beginning of the awareness of AIDS. It is reported that in 1981, there were 339 cases of AIDS in the USA, and that prior to this there had been 100, although there is still debate about the origins of AIDS . The opportunistic infections which initially called attention in 1981 to the condition later called AIDS are often not seen until many years after HIV infection occurs. It is likely that during these years, the infected individuals were asymptomatic and unaware of their infections. Looking back at records from previous years, researchers appear to have found AIDS cases as far back as 1968 in America, and it appears likely that there were HIV+ individuals in the USA prior to this date. It is during the period before its detection that HIV was probably transmitted across an unsuspecting America, and to and from other countries.

In 1982, 1201 people were diagnosed with AIDS8. People began to suspect that the disease - which began to be referred to as AIDS - was sexually transmitted, and that there might be a problem with America's blood supply. Cases were suspected in 23 states.

In 1983, 3153 people were diagnosed with AIDS, and it became clear that AIDS could be transmitted heterosexually.

In 1984, 6368 people were diagnosed with AIDS, and the CDC announced that they had found the virus which caused AIDS - actually, it had been isolated in France a year previously.

In 1985, 11844 people were diagnosed with AIDS, and the FDA approved the first test for the virus that leads to AIDS. Ryan White, a 13-year old haemophiliac with AIDS was barred from school, as people were unsure about how they could become infected, and prejudice spread across America.

In 1986, 19404 people were diagnosed with AIDS. The virus that preceded AIDS was named HIV, and the first drug that delayed the onset of AIDS - AZT - proved to be effective.

In 1987, 29105 people were diagnosed with AIDS. President Reagan told reporters that he favoured AIDS education that was based on promoting sexual abstinence. AIDS was added to the list of diseases that automatically denied people entry to the US.

In 1988, 36126 people were diagnosed with AIDS. The United States launched a national AIDS education campaign, involving the distribution of 107 million copies of a booklet called 'Understanding AIDS'

In 1989, 43499 people were diagnosed with AIDS.

In 1990, 49546 people were diagnosed with AIDS. Ryan White, the young haemophiliac, died.

In 1991, 60573 people were diagnosed with AIDS. Magic Johnson announced that he had tested HIV+ and was retiring from basketball.

In 1992, 79657 people were diagnosed with AIDS.

In 1993, 79879 people were diagnosed with AIDS. AIDS became the leading cause of death amongst young men in California.

In 1994, 73086 people were diagnosed with AIDS.

In 1995, 69984 people were diagnosed with AIDS. This is the year in which AIDS-related mortality peaked, and annual mortality has continued to decline since 1995.

In 1996, 61124 people were diagnosed with AIDS.

In 1997, 49379 people were diagnosed with AIDS. Annual AIDS deaths and numbers of babies born HIV+ in the USA dropped for the first time.

In 1998, it is estimated that 43225 people were diagnosed with AIDS.

In 1999, it is estimated that 41356 people were diagnosed with AIDS.

In 2000, it is estimated that 41267 people were diagnosed with AIDS. The Clinton Administration formally declared HIV/AIDS a threat to U.S national security.

In 2001, it is estimated that 40833 people were diagnosed with AIDS.

In 2002, it is estimated that 41289 people were diagnosed with AIDS. There was still a desperate need for education in America - a study showed that approximately 50% of Americans still believed that they could acquire HIV through everyday contact.

In 2003, it is estimated that 43171 people were diagnosed with AIDS.

In 2004, AIDS and sex education in the USA increasingly focused on sexual abstinence until marriage.