SPRINGFIELD, IL – AIDS-related deaths in Illinois dropped by nearly 10 percent in 1998 to the lowest level in a decade, but the rate of decline slowed significantly from what was reported the previous two years, according to mortality data released today by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

“The continued reduction in the number of Illinoisans dying from HIV/AIDS is encouraging,” said Dr. John R. Lumpkin, state public health director. “It again signals that recent medical advances have made a significant impact on the health of those with HIV and AIDS. However, with the decline in deaths comes an increase in the number of people living with HIV. We must ensure they have access to capable and appropriate treatment.”

The new data revealed that 515 people died of HIV/AIDS in the state in 1998, down 9.5 percent from 1997 and 66 percent less than the 1,494 deaths recorded in 1995. The number of

HIV/AIDS deaths in 1998 is the lowest annual total since 500 were reported in 1988.

Deaths from HIV/AIDS peaked in 1995 when 1,494 were reported and then decreased for the first time in 1996 by 21 percent. In 1997, the drop accelerated – deaths fell 52 percent – before the decline slowed in 1998.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in August that nationwide AIDS deaths had dropped 20 percent between 1997 and 1998, but that was well below the 42 percent decline reported between 1996 and 1997. CDC said close monitoring will be required to fully determine the reason for the slowing trend, but researchers believe contributing factors include treatment failure caused by viral drug resistance and difficulty adhering to strict treatment regimens.

Dr. Lumpkin said the slowing and ultimate stabilization of AIDS death rates was not unexpected. He noted further reductions in HIV disease and death will depend on biomedical research to develop even more effective therapies, on heightened prevention efforts, and on increased HIV testing and early treatment.

“While in recent years it has been heartening to chart progress, the leveling off of AIDS deaths reminds us that this is not the time for complacency and that we have a long way to go before this terrible disease is defeated,” Dr. Lumpkin said.

About 23,000 persons from Illinois have been diagnosed with AIDS since the disease was first identified in 1981 and 63 percent of them have died. An estimated 28,000 to 38,000 others may be infected and living with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

“The one constant in this epidemic has been that we know how this disease is spread and how it can be stopped,” Dr. Lumpkin said. “People must use that knowledge to make informed choices that can save their lives: refrain from sexual activity that can place them at risk of infection; practice safer sex, such as consistently and correctly using latex condoms; and not share needles to use illegal drugs.”

In 1998, HIV infection was the 18th leading cause of death in Illinois, compared with 17th in 1997, 11th in 1996 and ninth in 1995. It was the sixth leading cause of death for persons 25 to 44 years of age (317) in 1998, the same ranking as in 1997 when there were 378 deaths in that age group. HIV deaths in the 25 to 44 age group in 1998 trailed unintentional injuries (1,194), cancer (976), heart disease (882), suicide (435) and homicide (420).

Illinois HIV deaths fell among both males and females. Deaths among men dropped 7 percent from 453 in 1997 to 421 in 1998, while deaths among women declined 19 percent from 116 in 1997 to 94 in 1998.

Along racial lines, the drop in deaths was most prominent among African Americans with a 17 percent decrease from 359 in 1997 to 298 in 1998. Deaths among whites rose slightly (2.4 percent) from 207 in 1997 to 212 in 1998.

Illinois Department of Public Health 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone 217-782-4977 Fax 217-782-3987 TTY 800-547-0466 Questions or Comments