The number of people newly infected with HIV in Japan hit a record high of 1,048 in 2007, exceeding the 1,000 mark for the first time in history, Japanese media reported Wednesday.

According to a report released by the health ministry's AIDS Surveillance Committee, the number of people developed AIDS in the year reached 400.

The total number of 1,448 marked an increase for the 5th consecutive year.

The report showed that among the 1,448, an absolute majority of1,336 were men. 849 were infected through homosexual behaviors, 367 were infected through bisexual behavior, and six were infected through drug abuse.

By the category of age, 568 were in their 30s, 348 in their 20s,and 292 in their 40s. 

(Agencies via Xinhua News Agency February 13, 2008)