Before it was called AIDS, the disease was recognized as a new disease in 1981 when increasing numbers of young homosexual men succumbed to unusual opportunistic infections and rare malignancies. The disease was initially referred to as "GRID" (Gay-Related Immune Deficiency) or "gay cancer". However, the term "AIDS" (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) was first used by the CDC in a new MMWR on September 24, 1982, and the first case definition for AIDS was released. The term "AIDS" has been used ever since to describe the disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) .