AIDS cases decline in Spain for fifth consecutive year

The number of new AIDS cases diagnosed in Spain fell for the fifth consecutive year in 2004, according to a report by the nation's health ministry, El Pais reports. A total of 2,034 people were diagnosed with AIDS in 2004, down about 200 from 2003 levels, according to the report. About half of those diagnosed with AIDS in 2004 had become infected with HIV through unprotected sex. The number of people developing AIDS fell in every risk group, according to the report, including gay and bisexual men. The declining number of new AIDS cases is attributed to widespread use of antiretroviral drugs.