A Hidden Killer
HIV is believed to have come from Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo when the disease crossed from chimps to humans around 1920. HIV is an infection that weakens the immune system and eventually progresses into AIDS, a disease where the immune system becomes too weak to fight off other diseases. It isn't known how many people had AIDS until the 1980s. By 1980, the disease had spread to 5 other continents including North America. Between 100,000 and 300,000 people could've been infected by this time.
"When you are close to knowing you are going to die, even a glass of water is very meaningful. I always want to remember how it felt. I am trying to understand why we die. Trying to get used to the idea and accept it."
- Jorge, a 23 year old homosexual with AIDS, describing how he tries to come to terms with knowing he's going to die, 1985
In 1981, a rare lung infection called pneumocystis was found in five young and previously healthy gay men in LA. The first cases in pneumocystis in people who used drugs were also reported. Cases in gay men in Southern California in June 1982 led people to call it GRID; gay-related immune deficiency. Those who had AIDS and were not gay nor intravenous drug users were labeled innocent victims; implying that others were guilty.
"The third case cinched the realization that I was seeing something new. I knew I was witnessing medical history, but I had no comprehension of what this illness would become."
- Michael Gottlieb, physician, describing how he noticed something strange going on after treating four patients with pneumocystis, 1985
Ryan White was diagnosed with hemophilia shortly after his birth on December 6, 1971. Hemophilia is a condition where blood doesn't clot properly, which can be life threatening. This meant he could never play contact sports or have any major surgeries. Doctors treat bleeding with factor VIII to help the clotting process.
"We feel it's going to allow people with hemophilia to live almost a normal life."
- Jeanne White-Ginder, describing what she thinks about the Factor VIII drug, date unknown