New York sees HIV rise among gay men

The number of young men becoming infected with AIDS through unprotected sex in New York City is rising noticeably, according to a report.

The New York Times found that many of those contracting the disease are from the black and Hispanic communities. It noted that the city's overall rate of HIV/AIDS infection had been falling, despite the increase in cases among this demographic.

Data from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygeine revealed that infection rates among homosexual men under 30 rose by 32 per cent over the last five years, while the rate among older homosexual men fell by 22.

Health experts cited the rise in infection rates to optimism about AIDS treatment, a growing stigma attached to HIV in the gay community which causes people to hide their infection from partners, and increased levels of drug abuse.

Dr Thomas Frieden, NYC's health commissioner, told the New York Times that drugs like crystal meth and cocaine were reducing people's inhibitions when it came to sexual activity, noting that as many as one in four people who have HIV are unaware that they are infected.

"People who grew up watching their friends die of AIDS are a lot more careful than those who didn't," he said.

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