Geographic differences in HIV infection among Hispanics or Latinos--46 states and Puerto Rico, 2010

Abstract

In the United States, Hispanics or Latinos are disproportionately affected by infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In 2010, new diagnoses of HIV infection among Hispanics or Latinos occurred at an annual rate that was 2.8 times that of non-Hispanic whites (20.4 versus 7.3 per 100,000 persons). To further assess HIV infection among Hispanics or Latinos in the United States, CDC analyzed the geographic distribution of new diagnoses in 2010 in 46 states and Puerto Rico and the characteristics of those diagnosed. The results of this analysis determined that a lower percentage of infections were attributed to male-to-male sexual contact in Puerto Rico than in the 46 states (36.1% versus 66.5%) and a higher percentage were attributed to heterosexual contact (40.7% versus 22.0%) or injection-drug use (IDU) (20.4% versus 8.6%). In the 46 states, the rate of new diagnoses of HIV infection among Hispanics or Latinos in the Northeast Census region in 2010 (55.0 per 100,000 persons) was more than twice as high as in other regions, and a higher percentage of those with a new HIV diagnosis were born in Puerto Rico or had their HIV infection attributed to IDU, compared with other regions. Geographic differences in HIV infection among Hispanics or Latinos should be addressed with HIV testing, prevention, and treatment efforts tailored to specific communities.