HIV rate climbs in Wisconsin

Newly reported Wisconsin HIV cases climbed 15% in 2004 and a cumulative 35% over the past four years, according to state public health officials, the Wausau Daily Herald reports. As of the end of 2004, Wisconsin had a cumulative 5,367 HIV-positive residents. Infection rates climbed the most in the Milwaukee and Madison areas but also climbed in rural areas statewide. Although HIV infection rates are up in the state, Wisconsin reported a 10-year low of AIDS-related deaths in 2004. Health officials say the lower death rate is due to the success of antiretroviral drugs in slowing HIV disease progression among the state's HIV-positive people.