AIDS up second year in a row, Blacks hit hardest

AIDS up second year in a row, Blacks hit hardest

For the second year in a row, the number of AIDS cases in Illinois have shown a marked increase, with Blacks leading the pack and a return of high-risk behavior to blame, Illinois Department of Health Director Dr. John R. Lumpkin announced.

"Unfortunately, a growing number of people appear to be relying much on treatment advances, ignoring prevention messages and returning to high-risk behavior," Lumpkin said.

"Each new generation needs to be reminded that HIV and AIDS are life-threatening diseases and about the importance of prevention."

While it was originally believed that AIDS was a gay, white male problem, …