A review of HIV case surveillance data shows that the number of persons reported with HIV infection in Wisconsin steadily increased during the 1980s, leveled in the early 1990s and since 1993 has tended to decline. Cases reported in 1999 represented a 44% decrease compared to the 1990-1993 average. The number of deaths among persons with HIV infection declined 64% from 1993 to 1999; as a result, the number of persons living with HIV infection nearly doubled during the 1990s. Comparing cases reported 1995-1999 with cases reported in the 1980s, a higher percentage was attributed to injection drug use and high-risk heterosexual contact. A higher percentage of HIV cases also occurred among females and racial and ethnic minorities.