Each positive test result must be reported to the state Department of Health, along with demographic information.
A disease intervention specialist from state or local public health will try to reach the diagnosed person for a full interview, asking about risk factors and contacts.Louis County had an HIV outbreak declared in February, but the state had been working with local health providers for months before the notice.
"When we shared the HIV outbreak information with people who work in the field, they are surprised," said Christine Jones, manager for the state Health Department's HIV section."When the county bought hotels for the homeless who might be vulnerable to COVID-19, it allowed outreach workers to connect and test people who might also have HIV," said Jonathan Hanft, the manager of Hennepin County's Ryan White program."Building trust and relationships is key with outreach and getting people whatever services they may need," said Sarah Jane Keaveny, a registered nurse with Hennepin County's Health Care for the Homeless program.With the record number of fentanyl overdoses and deaths in Minnesota last year, the HIV outbreak will remain a priority public health issue, she said.