A.I.D.S.—the Avoidable Plague (Press, 12 November 1985)

On 12 November 1985, a significant article in The Economist discussed the complex and charged atmosphere surrounding the AIDS epidemic in the United States. It highlighted a controversial remark made by Houston's mayor, Louie Welch, who, during a discussion on proposals to control AIDS, stated he would “first shoot the queers.” This comment, thought to be made into a dead microphone, raised questions about public perception and political ramifications as many Americans were still largely misinformed and fearful about the disease. AIDS, it noted, suppresses immunity and may also inflict slow damage to the brain. This revelation could necessitate a revision of existing estimates regarding the number of carriers likely to develop the disease. The article outlined that out of approximately 14,300 recorded cases—mostly affecting homosexuals and intravenous drug users—infection routes were limited to blood mixing and sexual contact involving blood. Despite this, the public was intensely anxious about any possibility of casual transmission. In a climate of fear, various reactions from the public emerged—parents withdrawing children from schools, people halting blood donations, and modifications in church ceremonies to avoid shared chalices. Some public authorities began to discuss quarantine measures, although these raised ethical and practical concerns since numerous carriers showed no symptoms. The Texas health department proposed restrictions on AIDS patients who continued to engage in multiple sex partners, and Colorado became the first state to require the reporting of individuals whose blood tested positive for the virus. Insurance companies began implementing requirements for AIDS testing for new applicants, particularly in urban areas. The military responded by mandating blood tests for its personnel, complicating the issue of homosexuality within the service. Early statements indicated that positive test results wouldn’t automatically lead to discharge for admitted homosexuals; however, this was later reversed, sparking concerns about the potential for private information to become public during discharge proceedings. The article also covered the contentious issue of bathhouses, locations known for facilitating anonymous sexual encounters. Governor Mario Cuomo of New York threatened to close these establishments unless they complied with new regulations, recognizing their role in the spread of AIDS. The experience of San Francisco, where bathhouses were temporarily closed to combat the disease, was discussed, revealing the challenges in effectively tackling the issue. Ultimately, the article asserted that education was crucial for both the general population and at-risk groups, pointing out that while there is no cure for AIDS, awareness and behaviour changes could significantly reduce transmission rates. The response to the crisis exemplified a broader social struggle with stigma, misunderstanding, and the urgent need for effective public health strategies.

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