The number of Americans newly infected with HIV remained stable between 2006 and 2009, but infections rose nearly 50% among young black gay and bisexual men

While blacks represent 14% of the U.S. population, they accounted for 44% of new HIV infections in 2009. HIV infection rates among blacks were nearly eight times higher than rates in whites. Hispanics, who represent about 16% of the population, accounted for 20% of new HIV infections in 2009 - a rate that was nearly three times as high as that of whites. Men who have sex with men - which includes openly gay and bisexual men and those who do not identify themselves as gay or bisexual - remain the most heavily affected. While this group represents 2% of the overall U.S. population, they accounted for 61% of all new HIV infections in 2009. And young men who have sex with men - those aged 13 to 29 - are the hardest hit, accounting for more than one quarter of all new HIV infections nationally. New HIV infections affected young men who have sex with men of all races, but the CDC saw very sharp increases among young black men who have sex with men. What are some of the possible reasons for this racial difference? Young black men who have sex with men may be less aware of their infection status. They may encounter more homophobia than other groups, which could keep them from getting tested. They may have higher rates of other sexually transmitted diseases, which increases the risk of HIV transmission. To help fight HIV, the CDC will focus on areas where HIV infection is most heavily concentrated - among gay and bisexual men of all races, blacks and Hispanics.