FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 4, 2008
New method to provide better picture of HIV infection
COLUMBIA -- A new method of estimating recent HIV infections revealed that an estimated 900 people became infected with HIV in South Carolina during 2006, the state Department of Health and Environmental Control reported today.
“This estimate has provided the clearest picture to date of the HIV epidemic in the state,” said Jerry Gibson, M.D., director of DHEC’s Bureau of Disease Control. “With current testing and outreach efforts, 80 to 85 percent of these new infections were detected. The new state estimate is part of the newly released national estimate that 56,300 people became infected with HIV in the United States during 2006, and is based on a new surveillance method just unveiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although estimates at the national level are approximately 40 percent higher than the long-held estimate of 40,000, South Carolina’s estimate of 900 is not significantly higher than our prior estimate of approximately 800. This information could suggest that prevention and outreach efforts in the state are working. However, the data also suggest that 15 to 20 percent of newly acquired infections in South Carolina are not being detected each year, which re-emphasizes the importance of prevention, intervention and testing as vital aspects to protecting the health of our residents.”
Dr. Gibson said the new national and state estimate is based on a newly developed laboratory test performed on people recently diagnosed with HIV that distinguishes between recent and long-term infection.
“In South Carolina, the 15 to 20 percent of new infections not being detected, as well as any long-term infections that have not yet been detected, are very important because they cause the great majority of new infections,” he said. “We know that science-based prevention, intervention and testing work are helping to prevent the spread of HIV.”
Dr. Gibson said the new estimates will be used to target HIV prevention efforts for the state. In addition, DHEC will soon calculate the number of new infections by sex, race, risk category and age group in order to gain a better understanding of populations being most affected. Current HIV prevention efforts in South Carolina include: rapid testing through health departments and community-based organizations, partner notification services that reach people who might have been exposed, and other community-based outreach and education services.
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For more information:
Thom Berry – (803) 898-3885
E-mail – berrytw@dhec.sc.gov
Tony Price – (803) 898-0338
Stacy Cohen – (803) 898-4606
Dr. Jerry Gibson – (803) 608-6016
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