SCOTT COUNTY — Four more people in Scott County have tested positive for HIV, bringing the number to 188 in Southeast Indiana since early December.
The Indiana State Department of Health is urging people who partake in high-risk activities to take precautions, namely a preventative medication called Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP.
“We have made tremendous progress in slowing the spread of HIV infection in Scott County, but we know more people are likely to be diagnosed as testing continues,” Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Jerome Adams stated in a news release. “Stopping risky behaviors is the best defense against HIV, but pre-exposure prophylaxis can also help protect those still battling addiction.
"We strongly urge physicians to talk frankly with patients about their risks and whether medication is appropriate to help prevent infection with HIV.”
PrEP, made up of two medications taken orally every day, and is proven by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce the risk of contracting HIV through sexual contact by more than 90 percent and through injection drug use by more than 70 percent.
People who have injected drugs with shared needles in the last six months and people who work in drug abuse treatment in the last six months are recommended the medication.
It's also recommended those who engage in sexual activities with HIV-positive partners consider taking PrEP.
Those who take the medication must first be tested for HIV and retested every three months while taking it.
“Anyone who engages in risky behavior needs to know how to prevent HIV, and PrEP can be a valuable tool for many people,” Dr. Adams said.