South Dakota Has Low HIV Rate

With 19 new cases last year, South Dakota has one of the lowest HIV infection rates in the United States, according to officials. Only North Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming have lower rates that South Dakota, according to the Sioux Falls Argus Leader. Since 1985, there have been 462 HIV cases in the state. Currently, 261 state residents are living with HIV/AIDS, officials said. Three-fourths are men. Native Americans, who make up 9 percent of the state's population, account for 14 percent of HIV/AIDS cases. African Americans, who represent less than 1 percent of the state's population, account for 15 percent of state HIV/AIDS cases. "The fact that the numbers are low doesn't mean it's not here or it's not a problem," said Bonnie Jameson of South Dakota's Office of Disease Prevention.

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