HIV infections rising in teen boys, young men

KANSAS CITY, Missouri - Local health officials are wondering if rising numbers of youth infected with HIV is a statistical spike or trend.

HIV case management director Amber Rossman loves showing off Kansas City’s Free Health Clinic. More than free medicine or treatment, it’s a place that fills needs. For Rossman, it began 15 years ago when she first met teens infected with HIV and fear.

“Each time I met with somebody and I understood what their risks are and they understood if they were (HIV) positive, they could get into care, I felt success,” Rossman said.

The Health Department doesn’t yet feel success. Last year, epidemiologists recognized an increase in new infections among males aged 13 to 24. They thought it might be a spike. However, this year, new HIV infections in that same age group soared higher, accounting for a third of all new infections in the 11 counties in and around Kansas City.

“We’re seeing a lot of the young people that have the attitude, especially since treatments have been successful, that either it’s not that big of a concern or it’s easy to get treatment,” said Jeff Hershberger, spokesman for the Kansas City Health Department.

For some, treatment cost is an issue. The Health Department offers financial assistance through the Ryan White program. However, patients must meet specific financial requirements. Those who don’t qualify may still find assistance elsewhere.

At one of those places, the KC Free Health Clinic , counselors see another problem. Rising numbers of infected teens are using cell phones and websites like Facebook to set up anonymous sexual encounters.

“People’s inhibitions are probably lower when they meet people,” Rossman said. “They don’t ask about their HIV status, if they’ve had an HIV test or an HIV screening. So, people aren’t asking those questions.”

Her clinic asks using Twitter, Facebook, Centers for Disease Control’s online testing resource site . So, the very technology helping drive up infection rates is being used to lower them. The question now is how long before those needs are filled? Case managers are not sure.