Final answer:
In August 1981, the CDC began reporting AIDS cases in the U.S., marking the start of an epidemic. A stigma arose from its association with the gay community, which influenced the government's slow response. The identification of HIV and the development of a test in 1985 were crucial milestones in combating the disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
In August 1981, the United States witnessed a significant medical event—the reporting of AIDS cases by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This period marked the early stages of an epidemic that would dramatically impact global health. Early on, the emergence of AIDS created a stigma, especially as the first recognized cases were among gay men, leading to the pejorative term "gay plague." This stigma was exacerbated by the lack of federal and statewide anti-discrimination laws protecting the LGBTQ community at the time. Due to this prejudice, the federal government's response was inert; the CDC allocated $1 million to AIDS research from June 1981 to June 1982, despite 634 Americans being struck by the disease with 260 fatalities. This was significantly less than the $9 million spent on Legionnaires' disease, which had fewer casualties.
The identification of the retrovirus HIV, which causes AIDS, was a milestone in understanding the disease. By 1985, a test for the virus became available, providing confirmation that AIDS could be spread by sexual intercourse, leading to a reorganization of the gay community and grassroots efforts to tackle the crisis. The severity of the epidemic and the inadequate response of government agencies fueled activist movements and organizations dedicated to advocacy, research, and support for those affected.