HIV rates in Clermont remain at historic low

June 27 is National HIV Testing Day. Reporters from Connect Clermont examined government and public health data to uncover HIV rates in Clermont County remain hovering around historic lows. This public health win is worth celebrating, but medical professionals across Clermont County continue to stress the importance of scheduling routine STI screenings with a doctor.

Data by HamiltonCountyHealth.org

Releases from Hamilton County Public Health and Southwest Ohio Datahub indicate that the current HIV infection rate in Clermont County hovers around 91 cases per 100,000 people. The area reports between one and five new cases every year.

Microscopic HIV, Verywell Health

Annual STI screenings and sexual wellness programs have contributed to Clermont County’s comfortingly low infection rate.

New cases over the last two years have led to a 7% increase in infections. However, Clermont County remains one of the least impacted regions from HIV in Ohio.

2020 was the lowest year on record for HIV cases in Clermont County, at only around 4 cases per 100,000 people. Social distancing and quarantine likely contributed to minimal infections during this period. Today, concerns around the Ohio opioid epidemic and federal budget cuts to healthcare and sexual wellness programs may contribute to spikes in infection.

Data by HamiltonCountyHealth.org

Clermont healthcare professionals encourage testing

The medical community identified HIV as early as 1983 by Dr. Luc Montagnier and Dr. Françoise Barré-Sinoussi at the Institut Pasteur in Paris. Still, an effective treatment did not exist until researchers implemented Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in 1996.

STI screenings have since become an effective and minimally invasive method for early HIV discovery and treatment. Testing through private and public resources allows residents in Clermont to monitor their personal health and protect their loved ones.

HIV spreads through specific bodily fluids like blood and semen. However, an infected person can also spread the virus to infants through breast milk.

For some people, symptoms of the infection may not become apparent for months or even years after exposure. That is why Clermont County Public Health and HealthSource of Ohio are teaming up with the community to spread the word about annual screenings.

Both organizations offer Clermont residents an opportunity to schedule discreet STI testing with a qualified professional.

Clermont County Public Health also provides convenient alternatives to in-person screening. Jenn Bauer, CNP at the organization, said this about its program:

“Clermont County Public Health distributes at-home STI test kits to residents at our office and at our harm reduction clinic. This is a new resource we launched with the support of Caracole, a nonprofit organization that provides HIV prevention, testing, harm reduction, housing, and supportive services throughout the Greater Cincinnati region. Caracole also provides Hepatitis C and HIV testing at our harm reduction clinic to anyone who is interested.”

At-home kits typically require a saliva sample or a finger-prick blood test, but are quick and reliable methods for screening.

“Expanding access and reducing barriers to testing helps ensure community members are informed about their health and receive support when needed,” Bauer said.

HealthSource of Ohio also offers quick and easy testing for HIV and Hepatitis C. When asked to comment on their accessibility, Tracee Campbell, PharmD, RPh, said:

"Our team provides confidential testing, HIV PrEP services, patient education, and connections to treatment resources so that individuals in our communities can receive the care and support they need, regardless of where they are in their healthcare journey."

Accessible STI screening is available for all residents of Clermont County. Individuals can schedule an appointment online or by phone with a local healthcare professional.

Learn more about health in Clermont County.