[AIDS in Austria].

AIDS is a notifiable disease in Austria. In 1983, the first 6 cases were recorded. Thereafter, the numbers doubled approximately each year, reaching 182 on May 30, 1988. On the same date, a total of 2433 persons were found to be infected. The highest rates of AIDS patients and seropositive individuals were recorded in Vienna (72/1355), followed by Upper Austria (37/470) and the Tyrol (20/318). For the most part patients with AIDS are members of the classical risk groups (homo- or bisexual men: 49.5%, i.v. drug users: 26.4%). Since autumn of 1987, almost half of those persons who are found to be infected are i.v. drug addicts. Heterosexual transmission of HIV is still rare but appears to be increasing. Judging from the situation in Vienna legal prostitution does not seem to contribute to the spread of the virus.