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HIV Case Numbers In Southeastern Indiana Continue To Climb

The number of HIV cases diagnosed in southeastern Indiana has risen to 149, health officials announced Tuesday.

Of those 149 cases, 146 are confirmed and three are preliminary positives.

Gov. Mike Pence also signed off on a measure Tuesday allowing needle exchange programs in Indiana during specific public health emergencies, such as the HIV outbreak in Scott County. The law takes effect immediately.

Though the governor has previously stated his opposition to permitting needle exchanges, he re-authorized a temporary needle exchange program in Scott County last month.

More than 9,400 needles have been distributed as part of that exchange.

Network Indiana contributed to this report.