Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrom (AIDS) - HIV Clusters

WV HIV Cluster Detection and Response Plan

• WV HIV Cluster Detection and Response Plan V.6

Clusters of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Linked to Persons Who Inject Drugs (PWID)

The West Virginia Bureau for Public Health (WVBPH) has been monitoring a rise in HIV diagnoses statewide since 2018, particularly among PWID. While Cabell County had a significant outbreak in 2019, cases are now increasing elsewhere. For more information, see Health Advisory 162: HIV Infections Among People Who Inject Drugs - Aditional Area Seeing Increase, Others Vulnerable.

It's important to note that while PWID often seek services across county lines, new diagnoses are recorded based on the individual's county of residence at the time of diagnosis.

Cabell County HIV Cluster

In January 2019, the WVBPH noticed a spike in new HIV cases among PWID in Cabell County. The WVBPH worked with the Cabell-Huntington Health Department (CHHD) to request assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in April 2019. The CDC provided surge capacity and support for the public health investigation and response through their Epi-Aid program. Although the CDC Epi-Aid concluded in September 2019, the WVBPH, CHHD, and community partners continue collaborating on the response.

Response to a Large HIV Outbreak, Cabell County, West Virginia, 2018-2019

Notes from the Field: Outbreak of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Among Persons Who Inject Drugs - Cabell County, West Virginia, 2018-2019 | MMWR

Kanawha County HIV Cluster

In January 2021, WVBPH surveillance Staff identified a surge in new HIV diagnoses among PWID in Kanawha County. In response to this outbreak, WVBPH and the Kanawha Charleston Health Department (KCHD) jointly requested CDC Epi-Aid support in April 2021. The CDC Epi-Aid investigation concluded in August 2021, but WVBPH, KCHD, and community partners remain committed to collaborative response efforts.

Notes from the Field: HIV Outbreak During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Persons Who Inject Drugs - Kanawha County, West Virginia, 2019-2021 | MMWR

Epi-Aid

• CDC Preliminary Findings and Recommendations
• CDC Preliminary Epi-Aid Report
• CDC West Virginia Epi-Aid Closeout Meeting:Preliminary Findings

HIV Taskforce

• August 16, 2022 Kanawha HIV Taskforce Meeting
• June 14, 2022 Kanawha HIV Taskforce Meeting
• April 12, 2022 Kanawha HIV Taskforce Meeting
• February 08, 2022 Kanawha HIV Taskforce Meeting
• January 11, 2022 Kanawha HIV Taskforce Meeting
• December 14, 2021 Kanawha HIV Taskforce Meeting
• October 19, 2021 Kanawha HIV Taskforce Meeting
• September 14, 2021 Kanawha HIV Taskforce Meeting

Monongalia County HIV Cluster

Since May 2023, there has been an increase in new HIV diagnoses among men who have sex with men in Monongalia County. WVBPH, the Monongalia County Health Department, and community partners are actively responding to thise outbreak.