In 1980 , the first case of AIDS was diagnosed in Florida. Through December of 2000, Florida has reported 79.155 cumulative cases of AIDS in adults and adolescents and 1.390 pediatric cases (less than 13 years of ages), for a total of 80.545 cumulative AIDS cases.

Of the 80.545 cumulative cases of AIDS that were reported through 2000, 61% were in racial/ethnic minority populations. Of the 1390 cumulative pediatric AIDS cases, 90% were among minorities. Of the 5010 AIDS cases reported in 2000, 56% were among blacks, 30% were among whites, 14% were among Hispanics and less than one percent were among other minorities (Asian/Pacific Islander and Native American/Alaskan Native).

Florida Statistics
- Blacks comprise 13% of Florida's population, but 46% of the 80.545 AIDS cases reported through December 2000.
- In 2000, blacks accounted for 48% of the AIDS cases in males and 75% of those in females.
- HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death for both male and female blacks aged 25 to 44 years.
- It is estimated that more than 35.000 blacks in Florida are currently living with HIV infection.
- An estimated 1 in 50 blacks are HIV-infected, compared to 1 in 127 Hispanics and 1 in 286 whites.
- Among childbearing women in Florida, blacks are at least 10 times more likely than whites to be HIV-infected.
81% of Florida's 1.390 pediatric AIDS cases and 81% of Florida's 183 pediatric HIV cases are black.

HIV/AIDS Fast Facts

- HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The virus that causes AIDS.
- AIDS - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. The disease caused by HIV.
- Transmission - HIV can be transmitted by any type of sexual contact (vaginal, anal or oral), by blood-to-blood contact (most often by sharing needles) or by a woman to her baby (in the womb, during childbirth or by breast-feeding the infant). HIV is not transmitted through any type of casual contact, insects or animals.
- Testing - Anyone con be tested for HIV infection. Both confidential (name used) and anonymous (no name used) testing are available in each Florida county. It takes from a few weeks to six months after exposure for HIV antibodies to show up on the test.
- Prevention
- Abstinence: No sex and no needle sharing means no infection.
- Mutual monogamy: Having sex with only one person who in not infected means no infection.
- Condoms: Male latex condoms or female condoms must be used correctly during all sexual encounters. With latex condoms use only water-based lubricants.
- Drugs: If no needles are shared, no infection will occur through that route. Drugs such as alcohol, crack, ecstasy or marijuana could make individuals more likely to engage in sexual activities which put them at risk for HIV infection.

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