Indiana reports nearly 150 HIV cases in area facing outbreak

AUSTIN, Ind. (AP) – State health officials say nearly 150 people have tested positive for HIV as the largest such outbreak in Indiana history continues to grow.

The state’s Joint Information Center on Tuesday reported 146 confirmed HIV cases and three preliminary positive HIV cases in southern Indiana. That’s up four cases since Friday.

Needle-sharing among intravenous drug users is largely driving the outbreak, which is centered in Scott County about 30 miles north of Louisville, Kentucky.

Meanwhile, Gov. Mike Pence has signed into law a measure allowing communities to implement needle-exchange programs if they’re in the midst of an epidemic tied to intravenous drug use.

Officials say 223 people are now taking part in a needle-exchange program authorized only for Scott County under an executive order Pence has extended until May 24.