marked declines in rates for both Blacks and Whites, but fluctuations occurred after 1980 for both groups. In 1995, the rate for Whites was slightly higher than it was in 1980, but the rate for Blacks was slightly lower. The overall pattern of Black-White rates from 1950 to 1995 shows a decline, and more rapid declines for Blacks than Whites. Data for Native Americans or Alaska Natives and Hispanics also show a general pattern of declining rates, with the Native American or Alaska Native/ White ratio in 1995 (1.15:1) smaller than it was in 1980 (1.59:1). For Hispanics the rate of decline between 1985 and 1995 was greater than for the White population, so that the Hispanic advantage over Whites increased during 1980 to 1995. For Asians or Pacific Islanders, mortality rates from the flu and pneumonia were considerably lower than for Whites throughout 1980 to 1995, but the rates increased so that the Asian or Pacific Islander/White ratio was closer to parity in 1995 (0.87:1) than in 1980 (0.75:1).

In recent years, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS, emerged as a major infectious disease—the eighth leading cause of death in the United States. In 1996, it claimed 31,130 lives. Table 14–6 presents age-adjusted death rates from HIV/AIDS for selected years between 1990 and 1996. For Whites, during 1993 through 1995, death rates increased from the 1990 level; but 1996 shows a decrease—7.2 per 100,000 as opposed to 8.0