A study of inpatients with AIDS in Racine County

Since the first patient with AIDS was reported in 1981, the incidence of this illness has continued to rise. It is estimated that the cost of AIDS-related illnesses will be $15.2 billion by 1995. In this paper, we analyzed the number of admissions for AIDS to St Mary's Medical Center and St Luke's Hospital, both in Racine, Wis. Similar to the national trend, a rising incidence for hospital admissions was noted during the last 2 years. The rate of increase per year in this country was 31%, which is well above the national rate of increase. Twenty-nine admissions for 19 patients occurred during the past 5 years. One third of these patients moved to Racine from other states. Apparently, 10% of the patients contracted their illness through heterosexual contacts.