Number of Native American HIV/AIDS cases rises in 2008

[Thunderwolf, MSN, RN]

South Dakota reported 34 new cases of HIV or AIDS in 2008, including two cases in newborns. The largest one-year number of HIV/AIDS cases was 37 in 1989. The Health Department said the five-year median for new cases is 25.

The Health Department said only five other infants in South Dakota have been found to have HIV since 1985.

“Timely HIV testing and treatment of pregnant women can prevent infant cases of HIV,” said Lon Kightlinger, epidemiologist in the Department of Health.

The department’s 2007 Perinatal Health Risk Assessment Report found that 46 percent of new mothers in South Dakota said they were given information about HIV/AIDS while they were pregnant.

Kightlinger said the department will continue working to make health care providers aware of the recommendations for routine HIV screening of all pregnant women.

An estimated 365 South Dakota residents are living with HIV or AIDS; 70 percent of them are males and 66 percent are ages 25-44.

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