STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Cases of HIV in Southern Idaho have multiplied this year over last year, according to the South-Central Public Health District.

Cases of the sexually transmitted HIV rose from five cases last year to 15 cases this year in the health district’s eight-county region, which includes Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka and Twin Falls counties.

Cases of HIV-3 (AIDS) increased from one case between Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2024, to nine cases in the period between Jan. 1 and Nov. 21, 2025.

The good news for Wood River Valley residents is that none of the cases have been reported in Blaine County, according to public information officer Amy Dillon.

In response to the surge, SCPHD will offer free, all-day HIV screens during two days in December at its Twin Falls and Jerome locations to support early detection. Residents are invited to be tested at the Twin Falls office from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec., 4, and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the Jerome office.

Spanish-speaking services will be available at  both locations.

Residents are also urged to reduce their risk of HIV by using condoms and by obtaining HIV and STI testing following sexual contact with new partners.

“HIV is now a manageable condition with proper treatment. However, cases that are undiagnosed or go untreated remain a serious concern,” said Jacob Ward, SCPHD Epidemiologist. “When HIV is not treated, it can progress to AIDS. This severely weakens the immune system and increases the risk of life-threatening infections and illnesses. Early testing and consistent treatment are so important to protecting long-term health.”