ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) -
A total of 292 new HIV cases were reported in Minnesota in 2011, a 12 percent drop from 331 cases in 2010, according to a new report from the Minnesota Department of Health. With that said, state health officials cautioned that certain population groups have seen increases in HIV/AIDS.
"While the overall drop in cases is encouraging, it's concerning that we continue to see increases and higher rates among some of our communities." said Peter Carr, manager of the STD and HIV Section at MDH.
Notable statistics from MDH report
- HIV cases among women rose 9 percent with increases seen among African-born, African American, Latina and Asian women. Among women (all ages) with known risk factors, heterosexual sex was the leading risk factor, accounting for 98 percent of cases. Women of color accounted for 81 percent of all new cases reported among women.
- Male-to-male sex was the main risk factor for males of all ages with known risk factors, making up 92 percent of male cases. Young men 13 to 24 years old accounted for 22 percent of all new cases in men in 2011.
- All racial/ethnic populations saw a decrease in cases except African-born men, who saw a 31 percent increase, and Asian men, whose case count remained the same from 2010 to 2011.
- New HIV cases remain concentrated within the Twin Cities metropolitan area (86 percent) with an 11 percent increase reported in the suburbs in 2011 as compared to 2010, primarily due to an increase seen among women.
- One in three reported HIV cases were among 20 to 29 year olds.
Getting tested for HIV and getting into treatment if infected is now more important than ever, health officials said. Infected patients in treatment have shown a 95 percent reduction in HIV transmission rates when compared to those not in treatment.
While there's no cure or vaccine fro HIV, using condoms, limiting the number of sexual partners and avoiding the sharing of needles or equipment to tattoo, body pierce or inject drugs are proven to prevent the spread of HIV.
