Indiana News

State Ramps up Response to HIV Outbreak in Southeastern Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WOWO): The Indiana State Department of Health is ramping up it's efforts to fight the HIV outbreak in southeastern Indiana.


On Friday, State health officials reported a total of 55 confirmed cases of HIV and 13 additional preliminary positive cases related to the outbreak that was announced in February.  All cases are linked to the injection of opana, with some individuals also reporting sexual intercourse as a possible mode of transmission.

 

“I am deeply troubled by this outbreak, and stopping it is a top priority for our department,” said State Health Commissioner Jerome Adams, M.D., M.P.H. “We are engaging local, state, and national partners to determine where we can most effectively focus our efforts.  Extra care is being taken to invest resources in getting people off drugs and into treatment, since drug abuse is the clear driving force behind this outbreak.”

 

The Indiana State Department of Health is working closely with sevearl agencies to contain the outbreak and get HIV positive individuals treatment. Specifically, the State Health Department has requested a medical team from the CDC to help with following up on contacts of HIV positive individuals and analyzing data. The team will arrive in Scott County on Monday.

 

To help reduce risk of HIV infection, avoid:

·         injection drug use;

·         sharing or re-using needles;

·         engaging in unprotected sex; and,

·         engaging in sex with commercial sex workers.

 

For HIV testing locations and information about HIV Care Coordination, individuals are encouraged to call the ISDH HIV Services Hotline at (866) 588-4948.

 

 

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