‘Numbers fluctuate year to year’: Central Oregon sets record for HIV diagnoses in 2024
Jillian Fortner
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Central Oregon recorded 15 new HIV diagnoses in 2024, marking the highest annual total on record for the region.
Most of those cases were in Deschutes County, which has the largest population.
Deschutes County Health officials caution that case numbers can fluctuate from year to year. So far in 2025, fewer than five cases have been reported.
Deschutes County Health also notes that nearly 40 percent of the new diagnoses last year were considered late, meaning many individuals had unknowingly lived with HIV long enough for their immune systems to become weakened.
“Early symptoms might resemble the flu, or some individuals might be completely asymptomatic. So it really makes the regular testing extremely important here,” said said Jessie Hunsaker, STI/HIV regional epidemiologist for Deschutes County.
The International Journal of Sexual Health reports that the rise of dating apps and online platforms has contributed to an increase in anonymous sexual encounters. Experts say this can make it more difficult to trace partners and contain the spread of infections.
“Apps do pose a new challenge for public health for things like partner notification services,” Hunsaker said.
According to End HIV Oregon, the state records about 200 new HIV cases each year. They estimate more than a thousand Oregonians may be living with the virus without knowing it.
“It’s important for people to know that with an effective medication, individuals can live long, healthy lives and effectively stop the spread of the virus to others,” said Hunsaker.
Free or low-cost STI and HIV testing is available in Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson counties.
The Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living (EOCIL) also provides local services for people living with HIV.
See upcoming dates for free STI/HIV testing in Bend here.