Summary statistics cover the prevalence of AIDS throughout the United States and in New Jersey. The description of AIDS pathology identifies AIDS as derived from a member of a family of viruses known as retroviruses. The effects of the virus on the human body are noted. The discussion of clinical manifestations notes that most of the manifestations are the consequences of immunologic damage and are not the direct result of HIV infection itself. Some of the primary opportunistic infections are identified. The transmission of HIV is reported to be limited to sexual, parenteral (which includes intravenous drug users, hemophiliacs, and blood transfusion recipients), and maternal-infant routes. The discussion of screening describes the various tests and assesses their effectiveness. After describing current treatment strategies for AIDS, the article suggests prevention measures, with particular attention to New Jersey. Major actions suggested are massive media educational and public health campaigns to curb the infection's spread, a substantial and long-term research program in the bio-medical and social sciences focusing on prevention and treatment, and adequate funding. The legislative challenge is to devise laws and regulatory policies that will impede the spread of AIDS while protecting the privacy, rights, and dignity of vulnerable persons. 55 footnotes.