HIV/AIDS Still Rising in South Florida

Year-end data from the state Department of Health show a continued rise in HIV/AIDS in South Florida. While revised federal counting methods instituted last year have artificially inflated some of the increases, officials say the new figures still highlight an ongoing epidemic.

New HIV cases rose by 21 percent statewide, and about half the diagnoses were made in gay and bisexual men. New HIV cases increased 25 percent in Broward County and 30 percent in Palm Beach County, while new AIDS cases there rose by 6 percent and 8 percent, respectively, according to state data.

The 1,040 new HIV cases logged by Broward County last year represent an infection rate of 59 cases per 100,000 residents, up from around 55 in 2010. The county's distinction as having the nation's highest infection rate since 2008 has attracted the attention of CDC officials, who have begun planning a major anti-AIDS initiative with local officials.

Palm Beach County in 2011 recorded 407 new HIV cases, for a rate of 30.7 per 100,000. "I think it's leveling off, and hopefully it's going down in some of the heavily impacted groups like African Americans and Hispanics," said Dr. Mitchell Durant, the county's HIV/AIDS program supervisor.

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