Current Information on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Photocopied at the Roiald Reagan Libra
-2 -o Since March 1983, new cases are being reported at an
average rate of between 4 and 5 per day.
o Results of surveillance and studies suggest that AIDS is
caused by an agent transmitted sexually or through blood or
blood products.
o Sex partners and children (probably via in utero
transmission) of members of the above groups may also be at
risk.
PHS Recommendations to Reduce Risk of Contracting AIDS
On March 4, 1983, Dr. Edward N. Brandt, Jr., Assistant
Secretary for Health, issued the following prudent and interim
recommendations to the public:
o Sexual contact should be avoided with persons known or
suspected to have AIDS.
o Members of groups at increased risk for AIDS should refrain
from donating plasma and/or blood products.
o Studies should be conducted to evaluate screening
procedures for their effectiveness in identifying and
excluding plasma and blood with a high probability of
transmitting AIDS.
o Physicians should adhere strictly to medical indications
for transfusions, and autologous blood tranfusions are
encouraged.
o Work should continue toward development of safer blood
products for use by hemophilia patients.
Centers for Disease Control
Activities
o Establishment of a surveillance system to receive and
analyze case reports from physicians, hemophilia treatment
centers, and State and local health departments.
o Initiation of epidemiologic studies to identify risk
factors for acquiring AIDS.