A new study shows Richmond and Burke counties have unusually high numbers of people infected with HIV and AIDS.  That’s one reason local health officials are trying to get the word out about national HIV-AIDS testing day this weekend.

The Department of Veterans Affairs reports that three patients exposed to contaminated medical equipment have tested positive for HIV in follow-up exams. The VA said Friday that unverified tests show one patient each from its Murfreesboro, Tenn., Augusta, Ga., and Miami medical facilities have the virus that causes AIDS. It previously reported one positive HIV test but didn’t identify the facility where the patient had been treated.

A U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs patient has tested positive for HIV since being treated with equipment that exposed thousands of patients to other patients’ body fluids.  The VA on Monday did not return telephone and e-mail messages seeking comment about the location of the medical facility where the patient was treated before testing positive for the virus that causes AIDS.

A local college took part in World AIDS Day Monday night. The event was aimed at bringing awareness to what many call the silent killer. Count on our Fraendy Clervaud for the story.

Booting up, hooking up, and messing up? Authorities in southeastern Idaho are pointing up a disturbing trend among those who are using the Internet to find companionship.