The Top 5 U.S. States With the Highest Number of People Living With HIV AIDS

According to the latest estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were approximately 34,800 new HIV infections in the United States in 2019. This marks a significant reduction of more than two-thirds since the peak of the epidemic in the mid-1980s. The CDC's annual estimates of HIV infections show promising signs of progress in recent years, with an 8% decline from 2015 to 2019, following a period of relative stability.

The decline in new infections is largely attributed to substantial reductions among young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). From 2015 to 2019, new HIV infections among young MSM aged 13-24 decreased by 33% overall, with declines observed among young men of all racial backgrounds. However, it is important to note that Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino MSM continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV.

Key points from the CDC report include:

1. HIV Incidence: HIV incidence declined by 8% from 2015 to 2019. In 2019, the estimated number of HIV infections in the U.S. was 34,800, with an incidence rate of 12.6 per 100,000 people.

2. Age Disparities: In 2019, compared to 2015, the annual number of HIV infections decreased among individuals aged 13-24 and those aged 45-54, but remained stable among other age groups. The highest rate in 2019 was observed among individuals aged 25-34 (30.1), followed by those aged 35-44 (16.5).

3. Racial/Ethnic Disparities: In 2019, compared to 2015, the annual number of HIV infections decreased among individuals of multiple races, but remained stable among other racial/ethnic groups. The highest rate in 2019 was observed among Black/African American individuals (42.1), followed by Hispanic/Latino individuals (21.7), and individuals of multiple races (18.4).

4. Gender Disparities: In 2019, compared to 2015, the annual number of new HIV infections decreased among males but remained stable among females. The rate for males in 2019 was five times higher than that for females (21.0 compared to 4.5).

5. Transmission Categories: In 2019, compared to 2015, the annual number of HIV infections decreased among males with transmission attributed to male-to-male sexual contact but remained stable among other transmission categories. In 2019, the majority of HIV infections were attributed to male-to-male sexual contact, accounting for 66% of all cases (81% among males). Among females, the largest percentage of HIV infections was attributed to heterosexual contact (83%).

These findings highlight the progress made in reducing HIV incidence in the United States. However, persistent disparities in infection rates among certain populations underscore the need for continued efforts to address HIV prevention and care, particularly among disproportionately affected communities.