The Time is Now – 22nd Annual Illinois HIV/STD Conference

Illinois Ranks 7th for Most AIDS Cases in the U.S.

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA) are inviting health professionals to the 22nd Annual Illinois HIV/STD Conference, The Time is Now. The conference is an opportunity for HIV/STD care and prevention professionals to learn up-to-the-minute treatment information and cutting edge programming.

“We’ve done a lot of great work to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and STDs, but until these diseases are eliminated, there’s still work to be done,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck. “Our annual HIV/STD conference is a great opportunity to learn about new innovations, programs and treatments, as well as share experiences among peers of what works and what doesn’t. The time truly is now, to take action in the fight against HIV/AIDS and STDs.”

Illinois has the 7th highest number of AIDS cases in the nation, with 39,844 reported cases of AIDS since 1980. Of those diagnosed with the disease, about 23,729 have died. Between 2008-2012, there was an 18 percent increase in the number of people living with AIDS in Illinois, with the most notable increase among Hispanic and “other” ethnicities.

There were 66 percent fewer deaths in 2012 compared to 2008. While many infected people are living longer, others are diagnosed when they are already in the end stage of the disease. The most notable decrease in the number of deaths between 2008-2012, was among heterosexuals (72 percent) and intravenous drug users (72 percent). Men who have sex with men (MSM) also experienced a decrease in the number of deaths, but at a lower rate (60 percent.)

Between 2008-2012, there was an overall 5 percent decrease in the number of new HIV/AIDS diagnoses. However, the proportion of new diagnoses in men increased from 75 percent in 2008, compared to 83 percent in 2012. African Americans experienced the most notable decrease in the number of new cases diagnosed between 2008-2012.

Also between 2008-2012, there was an increase in the number of new cases diagnosed among people ages 5-12 years, and 20-19 years. People ages 13-19 years, and 40-59 years saw a decrease in the number of new diagnoses.

Sexually transmitted diseases are among the most common infectious diseases in the U.S. today. More than 20 STDs have been identified and they affect an estimated 19 million men and women in this country each year. The annual treatment cost of STDs in the U.S. is estimated to be in excess of $14 billion. During 2011, Illinois ranked 4th in the nation for the number of reported primary and secondary syphilis cases, 10th for reported gonorrhea cases and 11th for Chlamydia cases. During 2012, 67,701 cases of Chlamydia, 18,149 cases of gonorrhea and 803 cases of primary and secondary syphilis were reported to IDPH. Adolescents (15-19 years old) and young adults (20-24 years old) accounted for approximately three quarters of all reported Chlamydia cases and two thirds of gonorrhea cases.

For more information on HIV/AIDS and STD resources in Illinois, call the HIV/AIDS and STD hotline at 1-800-AID-AIDS (1-800-243-2437). Also use IDPH’s Text 2 Survive mobile service by texting IL + 5-digit ZIP Code to 36363 for the closest free, confidential HIV testing site. This service is also available in Spanish by texting CENTRO + 5-digit ZIP Code to 36363. For a list of STD diagnosis and treatment clinics in Illinois, please visit http://www.idph.state.il.us/health/std/ClinicsCounty.htm.