Thunder Bay has declared an HIV outbreak.
The health unit says it is centred in the homeless population in the city, and it's the same group which has been impacted by the tuberculosis outbreak.
The outbreak declaration comes after a recent spike of cases in May and June bringing the total number since January 1st to 8 cases with 2 additional cases under investigation.
Transmission is through sexual activity and sharing needles for injection drug use.
Officials say it's likely there are more cases which haven't been diagnosed.
The total number of new HIV diagnoses in the entire health unit area in 2018 was 11.
Distribution of clean needles and other harm reduction supplies is an important part of preventing HIV.
“The HIV outbreak, especially with the concurrent tuberculosis outbreak, is a crisis situation impacting individuals, families and communities already experiencing significant burden associated with infectious disease, mental health, and addiction issues as well as broader social, historical and systemic issues”, says Dr. Janet DeMille, Medical Officer of Health for TBDHU.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases.
If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS. AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection that occurs when the body’s immune system is badly damaged because of the virus.
HIV cannot be cured.