The epidemiology of HIV/AIDS in Minnesota: current trends

The epidemic of HIV infection and HIV/AIDS in Minnesota reflects national trends in transmission and progression to disease. Analysis of Minnesota's data also highlights populations that are at much greater risk for HIV infection and progression to AIDS. Although men who have sex with men continue to comprise the majority of people in Minnesota with HIV, other subpopulations--women, people of color, and foreign-born residents--are seeing a rise in their infection rates as well. Members of these groups tend to be diagnosed later and, thus, are at greater risk for their infection to progress to AIDS. This article discusses some of the nuances of the most recent epidemiologic data on HIV/AIDS in Minnesota and makes the case for continued aggressive strategies for outreach, education, and adequate access to health care services among at-risk populations.