AIDS in Japan (present status and future trends)
Shiokawa, Y.
Arerugi 36(6): 293-298
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-4884 PMID: 3675201 Document Number: 363418
AIDS was first reported in the U.S.A. in 1981, and was recognized as a novel disease of mankind. After that, the number of patients has increased, and the disease is widespread all over the world. Moreover, no definite treatment of AIDS has been discovered, and therefore, death rate of the disease is extremely high. AIDS is now believed to be a menace to mankind, which may be destroyed by the disease in the 21st century. In Japan, the first case of AIDS was reported in March, 1985, and 21 patients have been reported up to November, 1986. Half of AIDS patients reported in Japan belong to hemophilia group, the other half to homosexuals. There is some difference between patients in Japan and those in the U.S.A. and Europe. The death rate of patients in Japan is over 60%, and AIDS is also a fatal disease in this country. In the future, the number of patients will increase also in Japan, and extensive measures for prevention and control of AIDS is needed, as in other countries of the world.