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HIV/AIDS Cases Up In Southern Illinois

HIV and AIDS deaths may be down across the nation but Paula Clark, with the Jackson County Health Department, says that doesn't mean the virus is under control.  

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Clark says they've seen a spike in the number of cases in the last nine months, but it isn't because people aren't aware of the dangers.

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Illinois has the seventh highest number of AIDS cases in the nation, according to the state's Department of Public Health.  And the infection is spreading beyond the borders of major metropolitan areas.  IDPH records show there have only been 34 cases of HIV reported in Jackson County between 2005 and 2011.  But that number has nearly doubled in the last nine months, with 24 new cases being recorded.  Other counties outside the Chicago area also reported double digit HIV cases in 2011, including St. Claire County, with 52.  Peoria County, with 20, Rock Island County, with 14, and Champaign County, with 10.

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