Health officials
in central Florida are concerned over rapidly rising HIV
infection rates among Latinos in the region, the Orlando
Sentinel reports. HIV infections rose 19% among
Latinos in several central Florida counties between 1999 and
2004, compared with an 8% rise in cases among whites
and a 26% drop in new infections among
African-Americans. HIV infection rates climbed 40% among
gay and bisexual Latino men between 1999 and 2004, according
to state health department data. Health officials say
the increase among Latinos is due largely to a 24%
rise in the Latino population in central Florida
during the past few years, increasing use of crystal meth
among gay and bisexual Latino men, and an ongoing lack
of HIV awareness in Latino communities. (Advocate.com)