Health Care Provider Medical Alert – Increase in HIV cases in Kenora area

Published on 4 January 20234 January 2023

There has been a higher rate of HIV cases in the Kenora area in 2022, particularly towards the end of the year. Last year alone, nine confirmed cases were reported in the Kenora area which is much higher than in previous years. Between 2013 and 2021 there were only eight confirmed cases reported in the Kenora area. The primary noted risk factors are injection drug use, the sharing of needles/drug preparation equipment, and sex without condoms.

Please consider:

Testing for HIV and other infections such as syphilis and hepatitis C for those who are at risk of blood borne infections or sexually transmitted infections. Risks include, but are not limited to:
- Unprotected sex with casual, anonymous partners or multiple sexual partners
- Injection drug use
- Homeless or unstable housing
- Exchange of sex for drugs or money (including those who may purchase it)
- Reports of a sexual partner with any of the above risk factors
Providing counselling on the importance of not sharing needles or drug preparation equipment
Encouraging the use of condoms and sterile needles; both are available from NWHU, Morningstar Centre and Ontario Addictions Treatment Center (OATC) at no charge
Assessing for and managing pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV; tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine is included in the Ontario drug formulary.

Notify Northwestern Health Unit if you suspect a diagnosis of HIV or AIDS.

Resources for Health Care Providers:

Contact:
Dr. Kit Young Hoon
Medical Officer of Health
Northwestern Health Unit

Health Care Provider Medical Alert – Increase in HIV cases in Kenora area Download