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Summary: Researchers Claim A.I.D.S. Breakthrough (Press, 26 April 1984)
On 26 April 1984, American medical researchers announced significant progress in understanding Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), suggesting a probable cause for the disease and the potential for a vaccine to be developed within two years. The announcement, made by United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, Margaret Heckler, did not clearly attribute the breakthrough to either the National Institutes of Health in Washington or the French Pasteur Institute, which had also made similar findings. This news was received with cautious optimism by representatives of the homosexual community in San Francisco. Activist Tom Waddell acknowledged the positive developments but expressed concern that many individuals would perish before the vaccine could be created. AIDS destroys the immune system, leaving individuals vulnerable to various diseases, and has had a devastating effect particularly on homosexuals, as well as drug addicts, haemophiliacs, and people from impoverished communities in places like Haiti and central Africa. Heckler described the discovery as a triumph of science over a dire disease, highlighting that a blood test for AIDS could potentially be developed within six months. This test would prevent the use of tainted blood in transfusions and aid in controlling the epidemic. Scientists believe that the AIDS virus is transmitted through human body fluids, with the homosexual community being especially at risk through sexual activity. A National Cancer Institute team led by Dr Robert Gallo identified the likely cause of AIDS as a variant of a blood cancer cell known as Human T-Cell Leukaemia Virus, which attacks T-cells, critical components of the immune system. Gallo acknowledged the French Pasteur Institute's findings, which identified a similar virus called Lymphadenopathy Associated Virus (LAV). He noted the possibility that both viruses might actually be the same and indicated that collaboration between the two laboratories was underway to clarify this within weeks. In response to the rapid spread of the disease within the homosexual community, San Francisco had enacted a ban on sexual activity in bathhouses and sex clubs to mitigate the risks associated with AIDS. While researchers celebrated the advancement, public health officials and community leaders stressed the importance of prevention measures that could be implemented immediately to combat the ongoing crisis. As of the report, over 4,000 Americans had been reported to have contracted AIDS since its identification in 1981, with more than 1,700 fatalities attributed to the disease.
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