Fewer new cases of HIV infection in Helsinki.

The number of new serologically diagnosed HIV infections has decreased in Helsinki since 1986. The clinical search for infections was started in 1983 and the serodiagnostic search in late 1984. The maximum yearly number of new HIV infections was 40 cases in 1986. In 1987 and 1988 the corresponding numbers were 31 and 29, although the number of tests had increased. During the first nine months of 1989 only 16 HIV infections have been diagnosed. The levelling off, and even decrease, in the number of new cases of HIV infection gives cause for optimism about the chances of success of the campaign against AIDS by means of education, information and active screening programmes.