NCJ Number
104065
Date Published
1987
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This report reviews significant medical research, policy issues, and legal implications associated with AIDS in the correctional setting.
Abstract
Highlights of medical research developments focus on transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection through heterosexual contact, 'casual' contact, body fluids other than blood and semen, and biting incidents. Other developments discussed include the relationship between HIV seropositivity and the development of the illness, complexity of HIV infection, vaccines and cures, and blood supply safety. The report provides statistics on the incidence of AIDS in the United States and among correctional inmates. Although AIDS cases are unevenly distributed across correctional systems, overall incidence rates are predictably higher than in the population at large. Other topics examined include transmission of HIV infection within correctional institutions and AIDS cases among staff attributable to contact with inmates. The report emphasizes that education and training for both inmates and staff must continue to be the major response to AIDS in correctional facilities. Training approaches are assessed, as are HIV antibody screening and testing programs. Housing policies and health services for inmates with AIDS, AIDS-Related Complex, and asymptomatic HIV seropositivity are reviewed. The report summarizes types of allegations that may surface in inmates' AIDS-related lawsuits. 7 tables and 63 footnotes.