Multnomah County Sees Increase In HIV Infections

By Kristian Foden-Vencil (OPB)
Portland, Ore. June 20, 2019 10:25 p.m.

Multnomah County is warning of an increase in HIV infections, especially among people who use methamphetamines or inject drugs.

Multnomah County is warning of an increase in HIV infections — especially among people who use methamphetamines or inject drugs. Forty-two new cases have been identified over the last 18 months. By contrast, 25 cases were reported over the previous two years.

Multnomah County is warning of an increase in HIV infections — especially among people who use methamphetamines or inject drugs. Forty-two new cases have been identified over the last 18 months. By contrast, 25 cases were reported over the previous two years.

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Health officials say 42 new HIV cases have been identified in Multnomah County in the last 18 months. By contrast, 25 cases were reported over the previous two years.

The new cases are from all parts of the county and include heterosexuals and men who have sex with men. Many newly infected people are also experiencing homelessness, which the county says plays a role in their ability to get care and make health a priority.

The county health department wants anyone worried about HIV to get a test. Staff say they will connect anyone who tests positive to treatment and support. The department said even if someone tests negative, medicine is available to protect against future infection.

"We don't know yet if this is a short-term increase or longer-term trend," said Dr. Jennifer Vines, Multnomah County Deputy Health Officer. "The hope is that more testing will link people to the care they need and stop the spread to others."

The county is working closely with the Oregon Health Authority and neighboring counties to increase HIV testing and share prevention resources.

Another worry is that the factors that put people at risk for HIV are contributing to an increase in syphilis. There has been a sharp increase in syphilis cases in Multnomah County over the last 10 years.
 
The county is also seeing an increase in cases of Shigella, a bacterial diarrheal disease that can spread easily through intimate contact. Most people recover without treatment, but some Shigella strains are resistant to common antibiotics.
 
The Multnomah County Health Department said it hasn't seen an increase in cases of Hepatitis A. That vaccine is proving to be very effective and is now part of routine childhood vaccinations.

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