A Secret That Kills












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In 1959 scientists isolate what is believed to be the earliest known case of AIDS. The discovery suggests that the multitude of global AIDS viruses all shared a common African ancestor within the past 40 to 50 years. In 1978 gay men in the United States and Sweden as well as heterosexuals in Tanzania and Haiti begin showing signs of what will later be called AIDS. By 1981 there are 31 deaths in United States (this figure includes all known cases 1981 and before). In 1981 On June 5th, the Center For Disease Control reports that in the period from October 1980 to May 1981, 5 young men, all active homosexuals, were treated for biopsy-confirmed pneumocystis carinii pneumonia at 3 different hospitals in Los Angeles, California. Two of the patients died. All 5 patients had laboratory-confirmed previous or current cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and candidal mucosal infection. On July 4th, the Center for Disease Control reports that during the past 30 months, 26 cases of Kaposi Sarcoma have been reported among gay males, and that eight have died, all within 24-months of diagnosis. In 1982 the Center for Disease Control links the new disease to blood. The term AIDS ("acquired immune deficiency syndrome") is used for the first time on July 27th. In 1983 the Center for Disease Control warns blood banks of a possible problem with the blood supply. Institut Pasteur finds the virus (HIV). In 1985 The FDA approves the first HIV antibody test. Blood products begin to be tested in the United States and Japan. The first International Conference on AIDS is held in Atlanta. In 1986 US Surgeon General Everett Koop publishes a report on AIDS. It calls for sex education. In 1987 AZT becomes the first anti-HIV drug approved by the FDA. The recommended dose is one 100mg capsule every four hours around the clock. In 1991 10 million people have HIV worldwide. More than a million are in the United States. In 1993 the Center for Disease Control revises its definition of AIDS, including new opportunistic infections.

When I first became interested in the AIDS epidemic I was 12 years old. The year, 1988. We didn’t know much about HIV/AIDS then. It was referred to as the “gay plague” as the majority of cases were diagnosed in gay males. At that time the AIDS epidemic wasn't exactly a known epidemic. Oh, it was an epidemic; however it was one no one was willing to talk about. Somewhere over the intervening years that original manuscript has disappeared. And our knowledge about HIV/AIDS has grown by leaps and bounds. However, it seems as though we are again on the verge of an explosion in HIV/AIDS cases. The virus has morphed a bit creating the new "black AIDS" or “killer AIDS” that wrecks through the body and kills light years faster. And most Americans actually believe that the AIDS Crisis is under control when in reality there are more new cases diagnosed every day. Mostly in young adults, women, and minorities. People have become so immune to the idea that AIDS is a real problem still. Even in the gay male community new AIDS cases are exploding in frightening numbers. America needs to wake up and take notice. We obviously aren't doing enough to educate and inform the population on how to protect themselves. Anyone, anywhere, at any time can be exposed and subsequently infected with the virus. However, there are steps we can all take to protect ourselves!

HIV/AIDS is probably one of my many personal soapboxes. It has the ability to touch every single one of our lives at one time or another. And though they have talked of vaccines over the years the ability has eluded the professionals. If what I write offends you then by all means stop reading. If what I write isn't quite accurate then please forgive my lack of complete knowledge. Or knowledge base is ever changing.

I do not have HIV or AIDS. If I know someone that has the virus they have not chosen to share that personal detail with me. However, this is an area that I have somehow developed an interest in over the years. I do know the fear that you may have been exposed. I do know the waiting while the tests results are processed. My heart and healing thoughts go out to those that carry the knowledge everyday that they are infected. And I have sense enough to offer praises that I do not.

Janet~

 

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