Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1997. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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United Press International; Thursday, October 30, 1997 - 7:33 PM EST
Local authorities say NuShawn Williams, also known as Shyteek Johnson, slept with the women even though he knew he was infected with the virus.
The federal agency calls the Chautauqua County, N.Y., epidemic "tragic" and reminds the public that people who have had unsafe sex should be tested and undergo counseling.
The CDC is working with state and local health departments to determine the circumstances of the transmission and the implications of this case for future prevention efforts in communities across the country.
Health personnel have identified 11 women who they believe contracted the virus that causes AIDS from Williams. Many others are undergoing HIV testing. One suspected victim is pregnant, but she doesn't know who fathered the child.
Working with the county health department and the state's HIV Community Planning Group, the CDC will offer HIV prevention advice for young people, specifically women, because "Young women must have the skills necessary to deal with challenges of drug use and HIV prevention, especially given the difficulty of negotiating abstinence or safer sex with partners who are often older men."
A self-proclaimed member of the Bloods street gang, Williams is in a New York City prison on drug and robbery charges. According to New York state Attorney General Dennis Vacco, he will be prosecuted, probably for assault and reckless endangerment.
The number for the National AIDS Hotline is 1-800-342-AIDS.
971030
UP971019
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