SEATTLE — Public health officials say they are concerned about a number of new HIV infections among people described as being homeless, heterosexuals and drug users in North Seattle.
The Seattle Times reports eight such cases were identified during routine testing, according to Public Health – Seattle & King County.
Dr. Matthew Golden with the health department’s HIV/STD program says the cluster is unusual and worrying and says the numbers suggest an increase in HIV among heterosexuals who inject drugs.
In the past decade, an average of 10 heterosexual people who use injection drugs are diagnosed with HIV in the county each year. This year so far 19 people with the same characteristics have been diagnosed.
