State of the Epidemic

State of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic, HIV Incidence in the United States

Heterosexuals by Race/Ethnicity

Total: 16,800

by Transmission Category

This chart shows the race/ethnicity among white, black, and Hispanic/Latino heterosexuals newly infected with HIV in 2006. Heterosexual transmission accounted for the second largest route of HIV transmission in the United States in 2006.

Remember, this chart represents 31% of all new HIV infections among whites, blacks, and Hispanic/Latinos in 2006.

However, this chart does emphasize that among heterosexuals in these groups, most new infections – 63% - occurred among blacks. Whites accounted for 20% of new infections, and Hispanics 17%.

Black by Sex

Total: 10,630

Men are more heavily impacted by the HIV epidemic overall—regardless of race/ethnicity, but women are more likely than men to become infected with HIV through heterosexual contact. In cases among black heterosexuals, women accounted for an estimated 69% of new infections while men accounted for 31% in 2006.

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White by Sex

Total: 3,300

Although men are more heavily impacted by the HIV epidemic overall—regardless of race/ethnicity, women are more likely than men to become infected with HIV through heterosexual contact. Among white heterosexuals, women accounted for an estimated 70% of new infections while men accounted for 30% in 2006.

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Hispanic/Latino by Sex

Total: 2,880

Although men are more heavily impacted by the HIV epidemic overall—regardless of race/ethnicity, women are more likely than men to become infected with HIV through heterosexual contact. In cases among Hispanic heterosexuals, women accounted for an estimated 66% of new infections while men accounted for 34% in 2006.