1.5 Million Americans Infected With AIDS Virus, Bowen Says

Health Secretary Otis R. Bowen, estimating that 1.5 million Americans are infected with the AIDS virus, today asked the nation’s governors to share information on new actions to control the AIDS epidemic.

Bowen wrote letters to each governor, urging strict, confidential treatment of all medical test results and equitable treatment of people with acquired immune deficiency syndrome, which destroys the body’s ability to fight infection.

“I am writing you to enlist your help, and offer you the assistance of the department in dealing with the issues of confidentiality, discrimination and public health protections as they relate to AIDS,” Bowen said in the letter.

“Because there are unique circumstances in each state, and each state may reach different conclusions as to reforms that are needed, we can all benefit from sharing information and proposals.”

Bowen said more than 42,000 Americans have been diagnosed with AIDS, which is spread through the exchange of body fluids. He said about 24,000 Americans have died from the disease, and “we estimate that 1.5 million people are infected with the AIDS virus.”

“Expanded counseling and testing are needed to assist infected persons, especially those who do not know of their infection, to avoid infecting others,” he said.

“But counseling and testing present risks, since an infected person often cannot be sure that information on test results will not be disclosed inappropriately and subject him or her to discrimination or ostracism.”