Minnesota recorded about 11 percent fewer new HIV/AIDS cases in 2010 than in 2009, but state health authorities caution that the number of new cases last year still exceeded the 10-year average.
The incidence of HIV/AIDS remains concentrated in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, according to Minnesota Health Department statistics, and reported cases continue to be rare in northwestern Minnesota. Six area counties report no cases of residents living with HIV or AIDS.
Statewide, more than 6,800 people are reported to be living with HIV/AIDS. The number of new cases fell, however, from 370 in 2009 to 331 in 2010.
"This one-year decrease in cases doesn't tell the whole story," said Peter Carr, who manages the Minnesota Health Department's division on sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS. "It's more important to look at the long-term trends."
In North Dakota, health authorities recorded 25 new cases in 2010, down from 39 new cases the year before, according to Craig Steffens, HIV/AIDS surveillance coordinator for the state Health Department.
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Of last year's 25 cases, 13 were newly diagnosed, he said, while 12 represented people who came to North Dakota from other states but already knew their HIV/AIDS status. In 2009, 16 of the 39 cases were newly diagnosed, 23 from out of state.
North Dakota does not break down HIV/AIDS cases by county, Steffens said.
Since the Minnesota Health Department began tracking AIDS in 1982 and HIV in 1985, the state has recorded 9,493 cases. The state has averaged just more than 300 new cases a year over the past decade.
Among other findings in the preliminary 2010 AIDS surveillance report (available at http://www.health.state.mn.us ):
- African-born and African-American Minnesotans were at much higher risk of contracting HIV/AIDS than other ethnic groups.
- Male-to-male sex was the main risk factor in two-thirds of the cases involving males of all ages with known risk factors. Young males (13 to 24 years) were a quarter of all new male cases in 2010.
- Among women with known risk factors, heterosexual sex was the leading risk factor, accounting for 92 percent of cases.
- New HIV cases remain concentrated within the Twin Cities metropolitan area, accounting for 86 percent of the state's total. Minneapolis saw a 16 percent increase in 2010, primarily due to an increase seen among women.
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The Health Department funds 22 programs through 16 state and local agencies to combat HIV/AIDS in Minnesota through education and other efforts.
While there still is no cure or vaccine for the disease, health officials emphasize that infection is preventable through safe sex, including abstinence, using latex condoms consistently and correctly, and not sharing needles for tattoos, body piercings or injection of drugs.
Officials also urge people to get tested and know their HIV status. Early awareness of infection enables earlier and more successful treatment and helps prevent the spread of the virus.
Reach Haga at (701) 780-1102; (800) 477-6572, ext. 102; or send e-mail to chaga@gfherald.com .
