TYLER, Texas — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released its data for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnoses for 2023.
"HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system," the CDC said. "Without treatment, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). There is currently no effective cure. Once people get HIV, they have it for life. But proper medical care can control the virus. People with HIV who get on and stay on effective HIV treatment can live long, healthy lives and protect their partners."
According to the CDC, the most recent data was gathered regarding HIV diagnoses in people ages 13 and older in East Texas:
- Anderson County - 11 cases
- Angelina County - 9 cases
- Bowie County - 19 cases
- Gregg County - 21 cases
- Henderson County - 5 cases
- Nacogdoches County - 5 cases
- Rusk County - 7 cases
- Smith County - 37 cases
*Data for 2023 are considered preliminary (subject to a 12-month reporting delay)
Altogether, Texas recorded 4,400 new HIV diagnoses in 2023 — the second most number of cases behind Florida (4,502).
Thursday, June 27, is National HIV Testing Day. For a list of HIV testing sites in East Texas, click here.