Rate of HIV
infection up among Latinos in central Florida

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)