HIV Diagnoses in Cleveland Rise for First Time Since '96

New reports indicate that HIV rose in Cleveland last year for the first time since 1996, according to the Cleveland Department of Public Health (CDPH). Public health officials said the statistic could be a temporary blip or the result of stepped- up testing. But Cleveland's slight rise in new cases of HIV could also mean the virus is rebounding.

CDPH records show 65 new HIV diagnoses were made last year, compared to 40 in 2000, which was the lowest since 1991. The number of new HIV cases in Cuyahoga County rose from 70 in 2000 to 77 in 2001. John Neill, the biostatistician who collected the data, said that since organizations conducting the tests are historically late in reporting cases, the number of new diagnoses for 2001 could rise. Anonymous testing was excluded to avoid double-counting, he added.

Statewide, the number of new HIV cases, which fluctuated during the 1990s, actually dropped from 621 in 2000 to 520 in 2001. Still, Neill said the absence of a cure could eventually spark a new epidemic among certain high-risk populations. "People are living longer on the AIDS drugs and still practicing risky behavior that transmits the virus," said Neill.

Ohio's AIDS budget tripled to $8.5 million in the last six years, primarily to cover the cost of the new AIDS drugs for people without insurance. Cleveland is distributing close to $3 million a year -- including $500,000 of its own money -- to prevent HIV, the most it has ever spent. But in January, Ohio stopped paying the salaries of preventive health workers, many who counsel people with HIV and other STDs, and notify partners when tests are positive. Health advocates fear Ohio's spiraling AIDS budget will lead the state to slash prevention programs or tighten eligibility guidelines for people enrolled in the AIDS Drug Distribution Program, a state program set up to help pay for AIDS medication.

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