Half of gay and bisexual men in Chicago with HIV don't realize it
Thu. September 23, 2010 7:39 PM by GoPride.com News Staff
Chicago, IL -
A new CDC study shows that half the gay and bisexual men in Chicago who are infected with HIV do not know it.
The CDC said on Thursday that 18 percent of men who have sex with men (MSM in CDC parlance) in Chicago have HIV, slightly less than the national average of 19 percent.
However in Chicago, 53 percent of infected MSM are unaware they are infected, above the national average of 44 percent.
"This study's message is clear: HIV exacts a devastating toll on men who have sex with men in America's major cities, and yet far too many of those who are infected don't know it," said Kevin Fenton, M.D., director of CDC's National Center for HIV/AIDS Prevention. "We need to increase access to HIV testing so that more MSM know their status, and we all must bring new energy, new approaches, and new champions to the fight against HIV among men who have sex with men."
The situation is more dramatic among black gay and bisexual men, with 28 percent infected, and of those HIV+ men, 59 percent unaware. In comparison, only 26 percent of HIV+ white bi and gay men were not aware they had HIV.
The CDC recommends that gay and bisexual men get tested for HIV at least once a year. Men who engage in high-risk behaviors like having sex with multiple partners or using drugs should get tested every three to six months.
To read more about the CDC study, click here.
The CDC said on Thursday that 18 percent of men who have sex with men (MSM in CDC parlance) in Chicago have HIV, slightly less than the national average of 19 percent.
However in Chicago, 53 percent of infected MSM are unaware they are infected, above the national average of 44 percent.
"This study's message is clear: HIV exacts a devastating toll on men who have sex with men in America's major cities, and yet far too many of those who are infected don't know it," said Kevin Fenton, M.D., director of CDC's National Center for HIV/AIDS Prevention. "We need to increase access to HIV testing so that more MSM know their status, and we all must bring new energy, new approaches, and new champions to the fight against HIV among men who have sex with men."
The situation is more dramatic among black gay and bisexual men, with 28 percent infected, and of those HIV+ men, 59 percent unaware. In comparison, only 26 percent of HIV+ white bi and gay men were not aware they had HIV.
The CDC recommends that gay and bisexual men get tested for HIV at least once a year. Men who engage in high-risk behaviors like having sex with multiple partners or using drugs should get tested every three to six months.
To read more about the CDC study, click here.