POCATELLO -- Health officials in southeastern Idaho say about half of the nearly 20 HIV cases reported this year involved couples who met over the Internet.

The Southeastern District Health Department has reported 11 HIV cases during the past three weeks. Department investigator Maggie Mann says most of the cases have been traced back to online hookups.

The 11 people who tested positive for HIV in southeastern Idaho since last month include 10 men, and one woman.

Health officials say online dating proved a common thread between the cases, contributing to the risky behavior that led to the transmission of the disease.

Last year, the Southeastern District Health Department reported only eight HIV cases.