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Although the first cases of the disease probably go back to the 1950s, the epidemic was not recognized until the early 1980s [http://www.avert.org/his81_86.htm].  The early epidemic occurred in two main branches; in the US and other developed countries, and in sub-Saharan Africa.  In the US, the early epidemic was primarily spread by homosexual sex, intravenous drug use, and blood transfusions (prior to the introduction of testing).  In Africa, transmission was almost exclusively by heterosexual sex.  Currently, most new infections worldwide are spread by promiscuous heterosexual sex and prostitution.
 
Although the first cases of the disease probably go back to the 1950s, the epidemic was not recognized until the early 1980s [http://www.avert.org/his81_86.htm].  The early epidemic occurred in two main branches; in the US and other developed countries, and in sub-Saharan Africa.  In the US, the early epidemic was primarily spread by homosexual sex, intravenous drug use, and blood transfusions (prior to the introduction of testing).  In Africa, transmission was almost exclusively by heterosexual sex.  Currently, most new infections worldwide are spread by promiscuous heterosexual sex and prostitution.
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<blockquote>
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"We owe it to Ryan to make sure that the fear and ignorance that chased him from his home and his school will be eliminated. We owe it to Ryan to open our hearts and our minds to those with AIDS. We owe it to Ryan to be compassionate, caring and tolerant toward those with AIDS, their families and friends. It's the disease that's frightening, not the people who have it."
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—Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, April 11, 1990 in regards to the case of Ryan White.
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</blockquote>
    
== Natural History ==
 
== Natural History ==
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== Dissent ==
 
== Dissent ==
 
Among the world's medical professionals and biologists, there is general agreement that HIV causes AIDS.  In this, Koch's postulates have been clearly fulfilled, and basic science research has shown the same.  Specific drugs have been developed that treat HIV infection and AIDS, helping show the causal relationship.  That being said, there is a vocal minority of people, scientists and non-scientists alike, who do not believe that HIV causes AIDS.  Foremost among these is Dr. Peter Duesberg.  Details about these "re-thinkers" and their arguments can be found at several websites, but not in any reliable peer-reviewed journals: <ref>[http://www.reviewingaids.org/awiki/index.php/Main_Page]</ref>
 
Among the world's medical professionals and biologists, there is general agreement that HIV causes AIDS.  In this, Koch's postulates have been clearly fulfilled, and basic science research has shown the same.  Specific drugs have been developed that treat HIV infection and AIDS, helping show the causal relationship.  That being said, there is a vocal minority of people, scientists and non-scientists alike, who do not believe that HIV causes AIDS.  Foremost among these is Dr. Peter Duesberg.  Details about these "re-thinkers" and their arguments can be found at several websites, but not in any reliable peer-reviewed journals: <ref>[http://www.reviewingaids.org/awiki/index.php/Main_Page]</ref>
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== Also See ==
 
== Also See ==
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