The health district is asking residents to stay vigilant in protecting their health by testing for STIs early and often.

TWIN FALLS, Idaho — The South Central Public Health District in Idaho has reported a “steep increase” in HIV and HIV-3, commonly known as AIDS, in several Idaho counties. 

The South Central Public Health District (SCPHD) oversees eight counties in Idaho, including Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, and Twin Falls. 

In those eight counties, new cases of HIV and HIV-3 in 2025 have “far outpaced total case numbers from 2024,” a news release announced. 

According to numbers provided by SCPHD, there were five cases of HIV reported last year. However, in 2025, there were 15 cases reported. For HIV-3 cases, or AIDS cases, there was only one reported case in 2024. There have been nine reported cases this year. 

SCPHD is now urging residents of these counties, and all Idahoans, to practice vigilance. SCPHD asks that residents reduce their risk of contracting HIV by using condoms and obtaining up-to-date HIV and STI testing following sexual acts with a new partner. 

“HIV is now a manageable condition with proper treatment; however, cases that are undiagnosed or go untreated remain a serious concern,” SCPHD Epidemiologist Jacob Ward said in a news release. “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.”

World AIDS Day is set to be held on Monday, Dec. 1. To honor the day, SCPHD will be offering free HIV screenings all day on selected dates at its Twin Falls and Jerome locations. SCPHD is doing so to support community health and early detection, a news release said. 

Walk-in testing at the SCPHD Twin Falls office is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 4. At the Jerome office, walk-in testing is available on Tuesday, Dec. 9, between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m.

For more information regarding public health in South Central Idaho, you can visit this link here.

For statewide public health information, visit this link here.