HIV INFECTION

HIV infection was the underlying cause of death of 1,786 New Jerseyans in 1996 (Table M12). Because of the sudden decrease in the number of deaths due to HIV infection in 1996, this cause has fallen from fifth leading cause in 1994 to the rank of eighth leading cause in 1996. After steadily increasing since 1988, the first year data are available from death records for HIV infection as a separate, identifiable cause group, the number of deaths and the total age-adjusted death rate from HIV infection decreased in 1996 to approximately their 1990 levels. About 70 percent of the HIV infection deaths occurred in persons 25 through 44 years of age (69.8%). Though the death rate in this age group is 33.2 percent higher than the 1988 level, it is 2.0 percent lower than the 1990 level. HIV infection was the leading cause of death for residents 25 through 44 in 1996, as it has been every year since 1988. The age group with the second highest death rate from HIV infection is persons aged 45 through 64. HIV infection ranked fifth as a leading cause of death in 1996 in this age group; the death rate from HIV infection among this age group was 109.1 percent higher in 1996 than in 1988. The following age groups had lower death rates in 1996 than in 1988: those under five, 15 through 24 year olds, and those 85 and over. All other age groups showed rate increases, most notably among those aged 5 through 14 (though the small numbers make it difficult to draw conclusions) and those aged 45 through 64.