Traverse City - HIV cases in Northern Michigan have seen a staggering increase of 214% since 2019, prompting local health departments and clinics to intensify their efforts to raise awareness and prevent the further spread of the virus.

Between 2019 and 2023, Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford counties collectively reported 44 new HIV diagnoses, compared to just 14 cases reported between 2014 and 2018.

Melissa Hahn, the director of Family Health for the Health Department of Northwest Michigan, expressed concern, saying, "We're still in an area that doesn't see a super large amount of HIV, but there's enough that it's making us take notice that something is wrong."

Traditionally, HIV has been less prevalent in rural areas, with higher incidence rates observed in urban centers, predominantly affecting individuals under the age of 30 and those in the LGBTQ community. Surprisingly, the Thomas Judd Care Center in Traverse City reported an increase in heterosexual couples seeking treatment over the past four years.

"Our cases tend to almost exclusively involve individuals aged 30 and above, primarily white, and include both males and females. So, it's not typical of the usual affected groups," explained Shawn Kintigh, a clinical nurse practitioner at the clinic.

The clinic has implemented weekly HIV testing for the homeless population, but so far, no positive cases have been detected. The reasons behind the significant rise in HIV cases in the region remain unclear, with a lack of education and an uptick in local population being speculated as contributing factors.

"As a teenager, it's not being discussed in school every day like it was during the initial AIDS epidemic. So, I think people just aren't as mindful of it as they were before," stated Hahn.

Disturbingly, many individuals who recently tested positive for HIV only sought testing during stage three of the infection, which can be life-threatening. Kintigh attributed this delay to a lack of awareness among affected individuals.

Symptoms of HIV initially resemble those of the flu, including fever and possibly a rash, which may subside after a week or two, only to reemerge after a dormant period of five to ten years.

Both the Thomas Judd Care Center and the Health Department of Northwest Michigan strongly emphasize the importance of getting tested and educated about safe practices for all individuals aged 13 to 65. They urge the community to take advantage of the free HIV tests available at the Thomas Judd Care Center.

In observance of World AIDS Day, the center will be hosting a panel discussion on December 1 to further educate the community and raise awareness about the growing HIV crisis in Northern Michigan.