Mixed bag in HIV cases

Federal statistics report a 14.8 percent decline in HIV cases between 2008 and 2015, but 25- to 34-year-olds saw a nearly 45 percent increase in new cases
New data released by the CDC last month is a mixed blessing as well. On the one hand, new cases of HIV have declined almost 15 percent, But that decline in new cases is not being seen among young men of color who have sex with men.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports there were 38,500 new infections in the U.S. in 2015 compared with 45,200 in 2008. There were also significant decreases in heterosexual transmission — from 13,000 to 8,800 — people who use intravenous drugs — 3,800 to 2,200 — and men who have sex with men who inject drugs — 1,500 to 1,200.
But under further exploration, some groups are faring better than others.
HIV among men who have sex with men has remained fairly level: 26,700 cases in 2008 compared with 26,200 in 2015. However, during this time HIV, incidence among those 13 to 24 years old declined three percent per year: from 9,800 to 7,700 transmissions. In the age bracket of 25- to 34-year-olds, HIV rose 44.9 percent overall: from 6,900 to 10,000. Those individuals in the 35 to 44 years old age bracket also saw a decline of 4.7 percent per year. HIV remained stable in people aged 45 to 54 years old, 3,300 to 3,000 cases, and rose 30 percent among those aged 55 and older: from 1,000 to 1,300 during the same time frame.
The Latino community of men who have sex with men saw a 25 percent increase in cases during the same period.
Michigan health officials said Michigan's state trends mirror national data.