The number of cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases reported in the outbreak in southeastern Indiana continues to mount as the latest reports put the tally at 51 as of Wednesday.
Indiana Public Media also notes that 15 other people have been flagged through preliminary screenings.
The latest official update from the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) from Mar. 13 put the count at 47 confirmed HIV positive cases and 8 preliminary positive cases.
Indiana state health officials say the majority of the cases in the outbreak are linked to injection drug abuse of the prescription drug, Opana. A small number of cases are linked through sexual transmission.
The ISDH plans to roll out an ad campaign to promote awareness about sharing needles and safe sex practices.
The outbreak, affecting people in several counties in SE Indiana, began in mid- December 2014.
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