HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In recognition of World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, Department of Health Secretary Everette James today reminded Pennsylvanians to be tested regularly for HIV - the virus that causes AIDS.

"Getting tested is the only way to know your health status and knowing your status is the only way to ensure you receive proper treatment," said James. "We are working to educate the public and ensure that prevention, testing, treatment and counseling services are readily available across the state."

HIV, human immunodeficiency virus, attacks the immune system and may be passed from person to person through the blood and some bodily fluids. In addition, infected pregnant women can pass HIV to their baby during pregnancy or delivery, and through breast-feeding.

Established by the World Health Organization and observed each year on Dec. 1, World AIDS Day aims to bring attention to the global AIDS epidemic. More than one million people in the United States are living with HIV/AIDS, with more than 55,000 new infections diagnosed each year. In Pennsylvania, 2,272 new HIV/AIDS cases were diagnosed and reported during 2008.

The Department of Health coordinates statewide HIV/AIDS prevention and care programs, and administers activities through contracts with county and municipal health departments and other agencies. Through these free programs, confidential HIV testing and counseling services are offered at locations across Pennsylvania. Some locations offer rapid HIV tests that can provide results in less than 30 minutes.

For more information, visit www.health.state.pa.us or call 1-877-PA HEALTH.

Media contact: Stacy Kriedeman, 717-787-1783

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health

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