The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) collects, analyzes, and disseminates surveillance data on HIV infection and AIDS; these data are the nation's source of information on the HIV epidemic. The annual surveillance report, published by the Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, summarizes information about HIV infection and AIDS in the United States and 5 U.S. dependent areas (this report, formerly known as the HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report, has been renamed the HIV Surveillance Report). HIV surveillance data are used by CDC's public health partners in other federal agencies, health departments, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and the general public to help target prevention efforts, plan for services, develop policy, and monitor the HIV epidemic.

This report is organized in 5 sections: (1) cases of HIV/AIDS & AIDS, (2) deaths of persons with AIDS, (3) persons living with HIV/AIDS, AIDS, or HIV infection (not AIDS), (4) length of survival after AIDS diagnosis, & (5) reports of cases of HIV/AIDS, AIDS, & HIV infection (not AIDS). Sections 1-3 present point estimates of case counts that have been adjusted for reporting delays & for redistribution of cases in persons initially reported without an identified risk factor. The estimated number of HIV/AIDS cases in the 33 states with confidential name-based HIV infection reporting decreased each year from 2001 through 2004 & then increased in 2005. In 2005, the estimated rate of HIV/AIDS cases in the 33 states was 19.8 per 100,000 population. Tables.