Over the last few weeks the Southeastern District Health Department has seen a tremendous spike in HIV cases. They've had 11 confirmed cases in the last three weeks and that has everyone worried.

Because of the spike the Health Department is encouraging anyone that thinks they might be at risk for carrying the disease to get tested. After a person is exposed to the virus, it takes about three months for it to show up on a test. The health department offers a variety of different tests, including rapid testing that takes about 20 minutes and is 99% accurate.

This is the first time ever they have seen this sort of spike in HIV cases in our area, and they are concerned there are more cases out there.

Maggie Mann, Health Promotion Director: "Normally, it's pretty low prevalence; we may get one here and there. Occasionally a group of three or four at a time but that's unusual. So this increase is definitely out of the norm."

2008 HIV cases confirmed in Southeastern Idaho

Bannock County: 19

Bonneville County: 5

To give you an idea of what the health department is looking at, last year they had eight confirmed cases of HIV. So far this year they have 19 cases, with the biggest increase in the last three weeks. Idaho Falls is seeing a smaller numbers, with 5 cases so far this year.

If you would like to get tested contact the Southeastern District Health Department at 239-5885. The cost of the test is based on your income.