Most Young People With HIV Are Unaware

The number of new HIV cases in the US has leveled off at about 50,000 a year, but one important group is defying the trend: those ages 13 to 24. The CDC says about 1,000 new infections a month occur in the age group, and most of those infected (60%) have no idea, reports USA Today. Young black men are driving the increase, accounting for 45% of the new cases, reports NPR. Most infections occur in men having sex with other men.

"This is our future generation," says CDC chief Thomas Frieden. "That so many young people become infected with HIV each year is a preventable tragedy." A government task force suggested last week that everybody be screened for HIV as part of routine physicals, and the new stats could bolster the argument. (More HIV stories.)