Published report calls Indiana HIV outbreak preventable

SCOTT COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) – Results from a recent study have shown Indiana could have avoided an HIV outbreak that affected nearly 200 people.

The report published by the New England Journal of Medicine related to an outbreak investigated in early 2015 in the southeastern part of the state.

181 people ended up HIV positive in a public health crisis officials blamed on drug users sharing needles.

Nearly all of the cases occurred in Scott County, about 30 miles north of Louisville, Kentucky.

The outbreak was the state’s largest of the virus.

The journal’s report said the crisis was preventable suggesting states with rural populations like Indiana’s should focus on preventative measures.

Efforts including the investigation of networks of drug use, HIV testing and syringe-exchange programs were recommended in the report’s conclusion.

According to the study, exchange programs can reduce the risk of HIV infection by more than 50 percent.

Several Indiana counties have been approved by the State Health Commissioner to run exchange programs including Fayette, Madison, Monroe and Scott.