The AIDS epidemic: 31 years later
June 1981 marked the first time cases of AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) were reported in the United States. At the time, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC) thought it was a rare lung infection that was affecting gay men in Los Angeles. Although people may have been living with AIDS before 1981, it is the year that is often referred to as the beginning of the AIDS epidemic.
In 1991, basketball star "Magic" Johnson announced he was HIV positive and told his fans he was retiring from the Los Angeles Lakers. He had been on the team for 12 years. He became one of the first public figures to come forward as HIV positive. Now, 34 million people live with HIV worldwide according to the World Health Organization. What’s more shocking? In 2011 alone, 2.5 million people became newly infected with HIV.
In 1991, basketball star "Magic" Johnson announced he was HIV positive and told his fans he was retiring from the Los Angeles Lakers. He had been on the team for 12 years. He became one of the first public figures to come forward as HIV positive. Now, 34 million people live with HIV worldwide according to the World Health Organization. What’s more shocking? In 2011 alone, 2.5 million people became newly infected with HIV.
