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HIV ''(Human Immunodeficiency Virus)'' is an infectious human [[retrovirus]] that causes [[Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome]] ''(AIDS)''. Currently, HIV/AIDS kills approximately 2-3 million people per year, mostly in San Francisco, Key West, Austin, Atlanta, and Cedar Rapids, IA. Currently in the U.S., there are approximately 500,000 people infected with HIV.

HIV ''(Human Immunodeficiency Virus)'' is an infectious human [[retrovirus]] that causes [[Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome]] ''(AIDS)''. Currently, HIV/AIDS kills approximately 2-3 million people per year. Currently in the U.S., there are approximately 500,000 people infected with HIV.

== Transmission ==

== Transmission ==

HIV is primarily spread by sexual contact and intravenous drug use. Most early infections in the US were via homosexual sex, and to a lesser extent via intravenous drug use and blood transfusions; most current infections in the world are via heterosexual contact and vertical transmission from mother to child. Mothers infected with HIV transmit the virus to their baby ''in utero'', during childbirth. Mother-to-child transmission can be significantly reduced by the proper use of antiretroviral agents.

HIV is primarily spread by sexual contact and intravenous drug use. Most early infections in the US were via homosexual sex, and to a lesser extent via intravenous drug use and blood transfusions; most current infections in the world are via heterosexual contact and vertical transmission from mother to child. Mothers infected with HIV transmit the virus to their baby ''in utero'', during childbirth. Mother-to-child transmission can be significantly reduced by the proper use of antiretroviral agents.