City Of Louisville: HIV Cases Increasing In Louisville

Press release from the City of Louisville:

August 19, 2021

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (August 19, 2021) – Due to a recent increase in HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) cases, the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, with support from the Kentucky Department for Public Health, is increasing screenings and prevention measures as well as urging local healthcare providers to conduct more HIV testing as a routine part of medical care.

There have been 126 HIV diagnoses for 2021 to date. 24 of those were diagnosed in May alone, the most recent month for which data is available.  The average number of cases per calendar year is 144 from 2017 – 2020. 

HIV is transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal secretions or breast milk. It is a virus that attacks a person’s immune system. If it isn’t treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). There isn’t a cure currently for HIV but with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. People who get proper treatment live long healthy lives and protect their partners.

A person’s risk of being exposed to or contracting HIV increases when:

HIV can be prevented by:

The Kentucky Department for Public Health has a dedicated staff of disease investigators embedded in the Louisville Department of Public Health and Wellness to work with individuals confidentially to track and test their sexual contacts if they have tested positive for HIV. They also work to ensure anyone who tests positive gets connected to medical treatment. 

“We urge all sexually active individuals to get tested for HIV and request that physicians include HIV screening as a part of regular care,” said Dr. SarahBeth Hartlage, associate medical director for the Department of Public Health and Wellness. “If anyone tests positive for HIV their sexual partners should also be tested for it. We can do that confidentially and we can also make sure people get connected to treatment so they can continue to lead long, productive lives.”

“We’ve come so far since HIV was first discovered 40 years ago,” added Dr. Hartlage.  “Thanks to advancements in research and medicine, with testing, early intervention, access to proper medical treatment and prevention, individuals with HIV can live long healthy lives.”

More information about free, confidential HIV testing as well as links to medical treatment, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/health-wellness/hiv-prevention or call 502-574-5600 Monday through Friday, 8a – 3p. To learn more about HIV visit https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/index.html.  The CDC also has a free, online HIV risk reduction tool anyone can use at https://hivrisk.cdc.gov/.

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This press release was produced by the City of Louisville. The views expressed here are the author’s own.