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Washington HIV/AIDS figures on par with Uganda

Published:Tuesday | March 17, 2009 | 1:48 PM

The Department of Health in the US capital, Washington DC, said 3 percent of its population in the over 12 age group is infected with HIV/AIDS.



The department said the city is suffering an epidemic, worse than some African nations.



Its report suggested that the hardest hit sections of the population are black men, and people between 40 and 49 years old.



The infection rate puts Washington DC on par with Uganda.



According to the Department of Health, the 3 percent infection rate is likely to be underestimated as many of Washington\'s residents are unaware that they are infected with the virus.



It cites the main mode of transmission as men having sex with men, followed by heterosexual sex and infection through drug use.