Massachusetts: More People With AIDS Surviving

There were 15,289 Massachusetts residents living with HIV/AIDS at the end of last year, a 25 percent increase from 1999, according to a study of Department of Public Health AIDS data. Much of the increase is attributed to advances in new treatments that have cut AIDS mortality. "Until 10 years ago, every single one of my AIDS patients was dying," said Dr. Mark Drapkin, associate chief of infectious disease services at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. "I got to know every funeral parlor in the west suburban area." Kevin Cranston, director of the state's HIV/AIDS bureau, said new diagnoses have remained level at about 1,000 per year. But experts warn that many more people have never been tested. "The virus is out there and people should not take sexual risks or risks with IV drug use," Drapkin said.

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