Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Associated Press - December 1, 2008
The annual rate of newly diagnosed cases of HIV infection rose to 75 per million people in 2007 from 39 per million people in 2000.
In 2007, 48,892 newly diagnosed cases of HIV infection were reported from 49 European countries. Austria, Italy, Monaco and Russia were excluded from the survey due to lack of data.
"One challenge faced by all countries is that many of the people living with HIV are unaware that they are infected," said Zsuzsanna Jakab, director of the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control.
She said the data revealed that the main groups infected by the HIV virus varies from country to country, hence prevention needs to be targeted in different ways across countries.
The report issued jointly by the European center and the U.N.'s World Health Organization showed Estonia, Ukraine, Portugal and the Republic of Moldova had the highest rates of newly transmitted HIV infections, and that drug injections were the main reason for infection in all of Eastern Europe. Other countries with high rates were Latvia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, the United Kingdom, Belarus and Switzerland.
In Central and Western Europe sexual contact between heterosexuals was the primary reason for infection although infections among homosexual men were also rising.
Around 40 percent of cases where the virus has been transmitted heterosexually were found among people originating from countries with generalized epidemics, the report said.
The EU and U.N. agencies released the joint report in conjunction with World AIDS Day.
081201
AP081216
Copyright © 2008 - Associated Press. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the AP Permissions Desk.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2008. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2008. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .