HIV infections up in Dallas

Dallas County, Tex., recorded 1,271 new HIV infections in 2002, more than any other county in the state, The Dallas Morning News reports. Data released by county health officials showed that the HIV infection rate in the county climbed for the third consecutive year. Epidemiologist Assefa Tulu said part of the increase could be attributed to greater efforts by county agencies to identify HIV-positive people and get them into early treatment, but Tulu warned that increasing rates of unprotected sex also are likely to be fueling the growing numbers. Data shows that 41% of the new HIV infections in Dallas County were among African-Americans, with 39% reported among whites, and 17% among Latinos.