South Dakota reports low HIV rate

With 19 new HIV cases last year, South Dakota has one of the lowest HIV infection rates in the United States, according to state health officials. Only North Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming have lower HIV rates than 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 HIV-positive, officials said. Three fourths are men. Native Americans, who make up 9% of the state's population, account for 14% of HIV cases. African-Americans, who represent less than 1% of the state's population, account for 15% of the state's HIV 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. (AP)