The 2024 HIV Data Brief from the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) reports a significant reversal in the city’s long-term decline in new HIV diagnoses, which rose by 29.2% from 633 cases in 2022 to 818 cases in 2024. This surge is primarily driven by a sharp increase among Hispanic/Latino residents, who now account for nearly half (49.8%) of all new diagnoses—the first time this demographic has represented the largest share of new cases in Chicago. Additionally, new AIDS diagnoses saw a 7.2% increase compared to 2022 levels, indicating a rise in late-stage HIV detection.
Demographically, the epidemic disproportionately affects young adults and men who have sex with men (MSM). Approximately 73% of new diagnoses in 2024 occurred among individuals aged 20–39. While the rate of new infections remains high among Black/African American residents, their total share of cases slightly decreased as Hispanic cases surged. Geographically, the highest number of new cases were concentrated in community areas including the Near West Side, South Lawndale, Austin, and Edgewater.
Health officials and experts from organizations like the AIDS Foundation Chicago cite several factors for this upward trend, including disruptions in routine healthcare and testing caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes in migration patterns are also noted as a potential factor, as new arrivals may face barriers to maintaining consistent care or testing. Furthermore, a “funding crunch” for prevention programs and recent attacks on diversity and equity initiatives are threatening the outreach efforts needed to connect high-risk populations with PrEP and other preventative services.