News
Cluster of HIV Cases Reported in West Virginia
By: Associated Press
Posted on:
WHEELING, W.Va. (AP) – Health officials in a northern West Virginia community are expressing concern about an increase in HIV cases.
Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department administrator Howard Gamble said six cases of HIV have been reported in Ohio County so far this year. Gamble said the cases are classified as a cluster because they have a similar location and time frame. He said they don’t have a common source, but all are linked to intravenous drug use and prostitution.
Gamble said the cases are of concern because it could result in an outbreak if testing, prevention and education aren’t enhanced.
He said the area had two new cases of HIV reported in 2015 and three new cases reported in 2016. No new cases were reported last year.