HIV/AIDS cases surge in Southern Idaho, health officials urge vigilance

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — South Central Public Health District (SCPHD) is raising alarms over a significant rise in HIV and AIDS cases across Southern Idaho. Recent data reveals that in SCPHD’s eight-county region, which includes Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, and Twin Falls, new HIV and AIDS cases in 2025 have already surpassed the total numbers from 2024. Specifically, HIV cases have tripled from five in 2024 to 15 in 2025, while AIDS cases have increased from one to nine in the same period.

SCPHD is urging residents to mitigate their risk by using condoms and seeking timely HIV and STI testing after 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. He emphasized the importance of early testing and consistent treatment to protect long-term health, noting that untreated HIV can progress to AIDS, severely weakening the immune system.

In observance of World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, SCPHD will offer free HIV screenings at its Twin Falls and Jerome locations on select days in December. Residents can walk in for testing at the Twin Falls Office on Thursday, Dec. 4, and at the Jerome Office on Tuesday, Dec. 9, between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Spanish-speaking services will be available at both locations. Idahonews.com has reached out to Southwest District Health, which covers the Boise area, to determine how many cases have been reported. We will update this story as we learn more.