The number of Ontarians living with HIV and AIDS is increasing, according to shocking statistics released by the Ministry of Health.

"The epidemic is continuing," Dr. Sheela Basrur, Ontario's chief medical officer, said at a press conference in Toronto on Wednesday.

"The number of people who are living with HIV and AIDS has increased ... in part because of the continuing spread of infection, but also importantly because the mortality rates have been reduced through the introduction of HIV treatments."

The latest statistics, analyzing data collected since late 2004, show 26,033 people have been diagnosed with HIV in Ontario, an increase of 41 per cent increase since 1999.

Of those diagnosed, 8,267 died, representing a little more than one-third.

"The concern that we have, from a public health perspective, is that the rates of infection are continuing to increase, in particular, in marginalized communities," Basrur said.

Those at-risk groups include:

• Gay and bisexual men;
• People from African and Caribbean countries;
• Injection drug users; and
• Aboriginal peoples.

The statistics show an increase in the number of women who are becoming infected with the potentially fatal disease.

"The women who are becoming infected are having intimate contact with our usual riskers," said Frank McGee, AIDS co-ordinator for the Ontario Health Ministry.

The study also shows infections in gay and bisexual communities are largely due to the fact condoms are not being used, or are being used incorrectly.

Toronto is hosting the six-day International AIDS Conference, which begins on Sunday.

More than 20,000 delegates are expected to attend.

With a report from CTV Toronto's Desmond Brown