Infectious Diseases

A number of studies have shown that syphilis facilitates the transmission of HIV for both biologic and epidemiologic reasons. One of the primary clinical aspects of syphilis is the occurrence of a sore or chancre at the site of infection.

Regional HIV/AIDS data is essential for local prevention and planning efforts. Only July 1, 2005, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) re-configured the state into 5 public health regions. These regions reflect each quadrant of the state and Bernalillo County.

While the health of the general United States population has improved significantly over the last 50 years, ethnic and racial minority group health status continues to lag behind the White, non-Hispanic population. Racial minorities continue to experience substantial disparities in health outcomes, particularly with regards to HIV/AIDS.

In 1990, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) initiated a cross-sectional interview project designed to collect behavioral surveillance data beyond what is found in the standard HIV/AIDS case report form. The Supplement to HIV/AIDS Surveillance (SHAS) project interviewed persons age 18 and older that were newly reported with HIV or AIDS to participating health departments.