Jerome Adams, MD, the state health commissioner, attributed the sharp growth in case counts to increased testing capabilities, since the Centers for Disease Control sent support staff to help with the HIV outbreak investigation.
“We have seen a significant increase in the number of HIV cases reported this week, but we believe that is because we have been able to offer more testing with the help of additional staff from CDC,” he said. “This sharp increase in the number of HIV-positive cases demonstrates how critical it is that we are able to locate and test people who have been exposed so that they can avoid spreading it to others and get medical treatment.”
The outbreak is centered in Scott County and is the biggest HIV outbreak in the state’s history. The cases are tied to intravenous drug use.
In response to the massive outbreak, the county health department started a needle exchange program, and there is also free HIV testing available.
Scott Memorial Hospital, located in Scott County, is helping by providing HIV education.
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