Officials cite Web factor in HIV cases

POCATELLO, Idaho – About half of the 19 HIV cases reported in southeastern Idaho this year have been traced to couples who met over the Internet, according to the Southeastern District Health Department.

The department reported that within the past three weeks, 10 men and one woman tested positive for HIV. Online hookups proved to be a common thread in most of those cases, said department investigator Maggie Mann.

“That’s one thing most of them acknowledged,” Mann told the Idaho State Journal.

“This is the largest group of positives I can remember in such a short period of time,” she said.

Last year, her department reported eight HIV cases.

Pocatello Dr. David Hachey said more people in general are willing to take part in risky sexual behavior because of improvements in the treatment of HIV and AIDS.

“For someone who gets an HIV diagnosis, the life expectancy is very good. The medications we’re using to treat it are giving people extended life expectancies that are almost normal,” said Hachey.