Since the 1980s, AIDS has ravaged communities throughout the world. The virus that causes the disease, known as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), first came to public attention in the 1980s. The virus and the disease have been known to take a heavy toll on many throughout the United States, most notably drug users and those having unprotected sex. The virus has also been especially prevalent throughout Africa.
History
The HIV virus is believed to have originated in primates in the sub-Saharan area of the African continent. The virus was first recognized in 1981.
Significance
According to the World Health Organization, the virus and the disease have killed over 25 million people in the 25 years between 1981 and 2006.
Misconceptions
Contrary to popular belief, the virus was first discovered by France, not the United States. In 2008, the French scientist Luc Montagnier was awarded the Nobel Prize for this discovery.
Transmission
The majority of HIV infections are transmitted through sexual contact, though the transmission rate in high-income countries is near 0.04%.
Time Frame
According to the World Health Organization, nine of every ten persons with HIV will progress to AIDS after 10 years. The average lifespan after diagnosis has risen to more than five years.
Effects
The HIV virus effects vital cells within the human immune system. AIDS-related deaths, therefore, are mainly the cause of a weakened immune system succumbing to a variety of other diseases or sicknesses.
Cure
There is no known cure for HIV or AIDS as of 2009, though many medications can slow the advancement of the virus. Scientists are hopeful that a cure for the disease will be found.
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