IDAHO FALLS — Rising HIV Cases Reported in Early 2026
In the initial quarter of 2026, the local area has recorded seven new HIV cases, a stark increase compared to the typical annual average of seven cases over the previous five years, as noted by Eastern Idaho Public Health and Southeastern Idaho Public Health.
This region includes Public Health District 6 and District 7, covering several counties, including Bonneville, Clark, Fremont, and Teton, among others.
Here are the numbers of reported cases from previous years:
SIPH — Counties: Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Butte, Caribou, Franklin, Oneida, and Power
- 2020: 1 case
- 2021: 3 cases
- 2022: 3 cases
- 2024: 4 cases
- 2025: 1 case
EIPH — Counties: Bonneville, Clark, Custer, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison, and Teton
- 2020: 5 cases
- 2021: 4 cases
- 2022: 4 cases
- 2023: 3 cases
- 2024: 7 cases
- 2025: 5 cases
According to HIV.gov, around 1.2 million individuals in the U.S. are living with HIV, with nearly one in eight unaware of their status. In Idaho, an estimated 76.9% of those with HIV have been diagnosed, as per AHEAD: America’s HIV Epidemic Analysis Dashboard.
“It can be unsettling to hear about rising cases, but awareness is key,” stated Rachel Mugleston, program manager at Eastern Idaho Public Health. “Getting tested for HIV and other STIs is just a regular part of healthcare.”
To help prevent HIV, officials recommend consistent condom use during sex, never sharing needles or drug equipment, and considering PrEP and PEP medications which can be prescribed by healthcare providers.
While HIV remains a serious health condition, advancements in treatment have made it both preventable and manageable. Effective treatment can lower the virus’ levels to undetectable, meaning it can’t be transmitted to others.
The only definitive way to learn your HIV status is through testing. Eastern Idaho Public Health advises that everyone aged 15 to 65 get tested for HIV at least once as part of their healthcare routine, and more often if they have risk factors. Pregnant women should be tested during their first prenatal visit and again in the third trimester if they’re at increased risk.
Risk Factors Include:
- People who inject drugs and their partners.
- Individuals who exchange sex for money or drugs.
- Sex partners of those with HIV.
- Sexually active gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.
- Heterosexuals with multiple sex partners since their last HIV test.
- People receiving treatment for hepatitis, tuberculosis, or STIs.
Free testing options, including at-home tests, are available through LetsGetChecked.com/Idaho and Together.TakeMeHome.org. Access to testing and prevention resources can be found at the following locations:
- Eastern Idaho Public Health: 1250 Hollipark Dr. Idaho Falls, ID 83401
- Southeastern Idaho Public Health: 1901 Alvin Ricken Dr. Pocatello, ID 83201
- Any Southeastern Idaho Public Health County offices across various counties
- PrEP locator resource: https://preplocator.org/
