County health officials are encouraging residents to get tested for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, on World AIDS Day this Thursday.
As of June 2011, there are 3,251 people living with AIDS in Riverside County and another 1,581 people living with HIV, according to the Riverside County Department of Public Health.
According to some estimates by regional health officials, more than 3,400 people have HIV in Riverside and San Bernardino counties and do not know they are infected.
“Knowledge is the first step in taking control of your health and your future,” said Dr. Cameron Kaiser, interim health officer for Riverside County.
Between 1983 and June 2011, there were 2,760 AIDS-related deaths in Riverside County.
Riverside County health officials are encouraging residents to contact their health professionals and get tested for HIV.
For more information or to find free testing locations, visit the Riverside County HIV/AIDS Program website at: www.rivcohivaids.org or call toll free 1-800-243-7275.
