Where Did HIV Start?

!±8± Where Did HIV Start?

This is a question that will not ever be answered simply because we don't know. There is genetic analysis research that shows that a blood sample from a man in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo was the first medically recorded case in 1959. It is though that the HIV-1 may have come from a single virus in the late 40's or early 50's.

It is known that the virus has existed in the US since at least the mid 70's. A number of gay males were going to doctors in the Los Angeles and New York area with difficulties from rare types of pneumonia, cancer and other symptoms that are not normally found in individuals with healthy immune systems.

Public health officials started to use the term "acquired immunodeficiency syndrome" in order to identify the occurrences of these opportunistic infections. The cause of AIDs was isolated in 1983 when scientists were able to know for certain that this was being caused by a virus. The fist name the virus was given was Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III. This name was later changed to HIV or human immunodeficiency virus.

Here are some frequently asked questions and honest answers:

Can I get infected with HIV from Mosquitoes? No. There is no evidence of HIV transmission through mosquitoes or any other insect.

Can I get HIV from having a tattoo done or body piercing? Yes, you can. Blood contaminated instruments that are used from one client to the next will transfer the virus. If you are going to have a tattoo done, be sure that the establishment uses procedures to prevent spreading of HIV and other blood borne infections like hepatitis B virus.

Can I get HIV from anal sex? Yes, HIV is found in blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, and vaginal fluids. This is transferred with anal sex. Unprotected sex is not only risky; it could cost you your life.

Can I get HIV from having vaginal sex? Yes. This is the most common method that HIV is transferred. Direct absorption of HIV through the tissues of the vaginal area allows the HIV to enter the body very easily. Again unprotected sex could cost you your life.

How safe is the blood supply in the United States? The US supply of blood is considered the safest in the world due to the stringent testing that goes on before, during and after the collection of a donor's blood.