Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1988. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
The Associated Press; December 16, 1988
"Unfortunately, we see women and children as the newest wave of victims," said researcher James Oleske.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said the $22.8 million, five-year study will include 2,000 heterosexuals in Paterson, Newark and Jersey City, N.J., and the borough of Brooklyn in New York.
Oleske, of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, said scientists hope to learn enough to stem a new AIDS epidemic. The first wave of cases primarily affected gay and bisexual men and intravenous drug users.
Institute Director Anthony Fauci said the four communities have high concentrations of HIV-infected drug users, a potential source of HIV infection in heterosexuals. HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, causes AIDS.
In New Jersey, 65 percent of AIDS cases involve heterosexuals; about 70 percent of AIDS cases nationally involve gay and bisexual men, said Dr. Stanley Weiss of UMDNJ.
AIDS, which attacks the immune system, most often is spread through close contact with blood, blood products or semen from infected persons.
As of Dec. 12, AIDS had been diagnosed in 80,538 Americans, and 45,164 have died since June 1, 1981, federal statistics show. No one is known to have recovered.
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