Earlier this month, the state of Michigan released an alert in response to an uptick in HIV cases in Northwest Michigan between 2019-2023. Regional HIV diagnoses have jumped 214% — from 14 positive cases reported from 2014-2018, to 44 cases from 2019-2023 in the following counties: Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford. One common factor in most of the new diagnoses was a low HIV testing history.
Primary care providers are asked to:
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Ensure every patient has at least one HIV test in their lifetime (ages 15-65).
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Test for HIV more frequently in patients with unusual symptoms or identified risk factors (i.e., Injection Drug Use).
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Talk about sexual history with your patients by including sexual history in your past medical and social history discussions, possibly as part of their annual physical regardless of the patient’s age or risk factors.
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Know the available resources for yourself and patients. Please review the clinical and educational resources available at munsonhealthcare.org/HIV.
For additional guidance related to the diagnosis and management of HIV, please contact the Thomas Judd Care Center at 231-935-7548.
Read related news release.