Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1991. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
San Francisco Chronicle (SF); Saturday, October 12, 1991
The annual study, based on anonymous testing of infants born to California women, found that one in every 1,420 mothers from all ethnic backgrounds were infected by the human immunodeficiency virus, which causes AIDS. Among whites, the infection rate was 1 in 2,959, while the rate among blacks was 1 in 205.
Children who test HIV-positive may not actually be infected if their mothers also test positive. But, on the other hand, a positive test on a newborn infant's blood will almost certainly mean that the mother is infected.
Last year, the survey found one in 333 blacks tested was infected, about seven times the rate for whites. "The consistently higher rate of HIV infection for African American mothers gives us great concern," said State Health Director Dr. Molly Joel Coye. "But the risk of HIV infection is widespread. No racial or ethic group is immune."
Infection rates for California mothers were highest in Alameda County, where one in every 510 tested positive. For San Francisco, the rate was one in 1,219. The state found that for the Bay Area, one in every 185 black mothers tested was infected with the AIDS virus, compared to one in every 1,338 white mothers.
Copyright © 1991 - San Francisco Chronicle Press. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the San Francisco Chronicle, Permissions Desk, 901 Mission Street, San Franciso, CA 94103. You may also send a fax to (415) 495-3843, or an email message to chronperm@sfgate.com. http://www.sfgate.com.
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, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1991. 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, 1991. 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. .