Experts who watch HIV and AIDS cases in Kentucky say the rate of infection may see a rise thanks to complacency and the rise of heroin abuse in the state.
In spite of ongoing education and prevention efforts, the rate of infection in the state has remained constant over the past decade in Kentucky.
Mark Royse, executive director of AVOL, told the Lexington Herald-Leader that the infection rate may be on the rise. AVOL serves HIV and AIDS patients in 72 Kentucky counties.
Royse says people believe the disease is a problem in poorer countries, but not the U.S.
He says as heroin use increases in the state, so too do infection problems that arise from sharing needles.
