HIV Remains Persistent Problem In Missouri -- Especially In Rural Areas
The number of new HIV cases in Missouri is on the rise — and a disproportionately large number are in rural counties.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified Missouri as one of seven states with a “substantial rural burden” — noting that it has more than 75 cases and 10 percent or more of diagnoses in rural areas. Public health researchers say the concentration of cases likely is due to several factors, including lack of access to health care.
Statewide, there are nearly 13,000 people living with HIV.
Many are on antiretroviral therapy, a drug regimen that allows HIV-infected people to live longer and reduces their risk of passing the virus to others.
But in rural parts of the state, it’s often more difficult for people to gain access to HIV testing and treatment, said Bill Powderly, director of the Washington University School of Medicine Institute for Public Health.
https://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/hiv-remains-persistent-problem-missouri-especially-rural-areas