With the United States breaking the 250 million mark with diagnosed STD’s, it is important to be cautious what you are doing and who you are doing it with. Although that statistic may not shock you, one that will is that close to 5%of these STD rates are diagnosed from children 13 and under.
check the list of the top 10 states with Highest Aids/HIV Rate, and make sure to discuss what we need to do to help lower the amount of cases.
(#’s of AIDS/HIV Diagnoses are based off of one year only*)
Puerto Rico #10
32,057 Diagnosed cases
406 Diagnosed under the age of 13
Total
32,463
Although Puerto Rico may not be technically a state, it is U.S. property and a very popular vacation spot. However, with over 32,000 people diagnosed with Aids/HIV, you might want to think twice before having that vacation one night stand with a local.
Maryland #9
35,395 Diagnosed Cases
330 Diagnosed under the age of 13
Total
35,725
Slowly rising close to 7% each year in diagnoses, Maryland does not seem to be slowing down in the HIV/Aids rate. Baltimore being one of the highest rated cities in America brings the majority of these statistics to Maryland.
Illinois #8
37,592 Diagnosed Cases
288 Diagnosed under the age of 13
Total
37,880
Many who were surprised Chicago, Illinois didn’t make the list for Top 10 Worst Cities won’t be surprised that it made this list. With Chicago contributing close to 72% of Illinois’ HIV/Aids rate; it is safe to say that Illinois is a state that needs to work on a little bit of everything.
Pennsylvania #7
37,842 Diagnosed Cases
375 Diagnosed under the age of 13
Total
38,217
Since Pennsylvania is such a large state, of course there is going to be a higher population infected. However, the fact that close to 400 children under the age of 13 were diagnosed within 1 year cannot be justified. With over 58% of the HIV rate in Pennsylvania being African American, is it time to target the urban areas?
Georgia #6
38,054 Diagnosed Cases
245 Diagnosed under the age of 13
Total
38,300
Between a bad education system and one of the fastest growing cities in America, it is no surprise that Georgia has made this list. With Atlanta ranking in the top 3 highest STD rate cities in America, the fast growing city and state are looking to move up on the list unless procedures are applied.
New Jersey #5
53,756 Diagnosed Cases
801 Diagnosed under the age of 13
Total
54,557
Maybe I was wrong about the size thing, because even though Pennsylvania is a large state, its neighbor Jersey which is significantly smaller has a higher HIV/AIDS rate. Already criticized for having one of if not the worst city in America, Jersey is the smallest state with some of the largest HIV numbers. This makes Jersey’s ratio higher than any other state in the country.
Texas #4
76,674 Diagnosed Cases
396 Diagnosed under the age of 13
Total
77,070
Texas is no stranger to this list and has been on it for the last decade. With major cities like Houston, Austin, and Dallas high on the individual city list, it is no wonder that once they all come together Texas ranks number 4.
Florida #3
116,041 Diagnosed Cases
1,571 Diagnosed under the age of 13
Total
117,612
Definitely a popular spring break spot for young college and high school students, Florida is a state that many should be cautious in. Breaking the 100,000 mark this year of diagnosed cases, many people in Florida have been taking these rising numbers into perspective when having a little spring fling.
California #2
159,606 Diagnosed Cases
687 Diagnosed under the age of 13
Total
160,293
The most populated state would be assumed number one but has come in at number two. With over 160,000 diagnosed cases of HIV/Aids in just one year, it is a scary thought to think how many people have been diagnosed within the last 5 years. However, I am sure that many of you are not surprised by California’s appearance on this list.
New York #1
190,363 Diagnosed Cases
2,390 Diagnosed under the age of 13
Total
192,753
With one of the most populated and highly immigrated cities in the world, it’s obvious why New York has been named number 1 on the list for the 3rd year straight. However, an unpleasant surprise is that close to 2,400 children under the age of 13 have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDs. That is almost twice times any other state in the United States, and these numbers continuously grow every year. Smh….