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The Virginian-PilotThe good news: The virus that causes AIDS is more treatable than ever - and with treatment, individuals infected with HIV can live into old age.
The bad news: The Navy's HIV infection rate has been rising for a decade and is significantly higher than any other military branch. In 2008, the Navy discovered 36 HIV cases for every 100,000 sailors tested - more than double its 1999 numbers.
Officials say they don't know why the Navy's rate is on the rise.
Dr. Rick Shaffer, a retired Navy physician who heads the Department of Defense's HIV/AIDS effort in San Diego, said military
personnel are less scared about HIV now than they were at the height of the AIDS crisis in the 1980s.
Their attitude reflects that of society at large. If people are less fearful of contracting the disease, or more confident it can be controlled, Shaffer said, they may be less inclined to use condoms.
One thing is certain, though: Military personnel with HIV have access to individualized, long-term care that often lasts well beyond retirement.
The Navy says it does not calculate the cost of treating HIV-positive sailors. However, it has cited a study that estimates the cost of a year's care at $14,000 to $37,000. So in 2008, caring for about 560 infected sailors, the Navy likely spent $7.8 million to $20. 7 million.
There are also career implications for the sailors. Once diagnosed, they can't serve on sea duty or be stationed overseas.
Read more:
http://hamptonroads.com/2009/11/highest-rate-cases-navy-sees-hiv-infections-rise