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What is the history of the AIDS epidemic?
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The AIDS epidemic began in the early 1980s when a mysterious new disease was identified among gay men in the United States. At first, it was thought to be an isolated incident, but by the mid-1980s, it had spread to other countries around the world. By the 1990s, it had become a global pandemic and was recognized as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). As the virus continued to spread, scientists developed treatments that helped slow its progress, but they were unable to stop it completely. In the 2000s, advances in treatment allowed many people with HIV to live longer and healthier lives, though the number of people living with the virus continues to rise.