Health Emergency Declared in Indiana Over HIV Outbreak
Indiana's governor just declared a public health emergency after at least 80 new cases of HIV were reported in a county that typically sees around five new cases each year.
Governor Mike Pence authorized an emergency needle exchange program Thursday to combat what he referred to as epidemic. The concerning uptick reportedly began with seven new cases reported in January, and authorities say they still expect more people to test positive.
According to the New York Times, health inspectors pinpointed the outbreak to rural, addiction-plagued area called Scott County, population 24,000. Most of the cases were diagnosed in a small town called Austin, where, a doctor tells NBC, "Used needles litter roadsides, ditches and yards." Reports the Times:
Governor Pence said the cases diagnosed so far had been traced to intravenous drug use, with the virus likely spreading as people shared infected needles. He said those infected had illegally used Opana, a prescription pain medication. A handful of the cases have been preliminarily diagnosed but not fully confirmed yet.
Governor Pence, a Republican, said that he had long opposed needle exchanges, but that after meeting with federal advisers, he decided to allow a short-term program in Scott County.
The Centers for Disease Control is reportedly assisting the efforts.
[image via AP]
