Increased HIV cases in Nova Scotia

**** NSHA Media Release

Increased HIV cases in Nova Scotia

Public Health and its clinical partners have observed an increase in people newly diagnosed with HIV in Nova Scotia.

Normally, Public Health expects to see approximately 15-20 new cases of HIV in Nova Scotia during an entire year. This year, by the end of August, Public Health had 20-25 new cases.

This new information could not be previously confirmed based on the data available at the time. It should be noted data is subject to change due to changes in case status, delays in reporting, and/or data validation. This may also explain changes in the number of reported cases in previous months for some diseases. Please interpret the provided data with caution.

Public Health supports contact tracing for people newly diagnosed with HIV, but some contacts are anonymous. This is why it’s important to get tested and know your status if you are part of a population at increased risk of HIV acquisition.

People newly diagnosed with HIV have been primarily traced back to social circles based in Halifax Regional Municipality, although live throughout the province. As part of the case investigation, the most prominent risk factors identified are men having sex with men and people who use drugs, including people who share drug equipment.

Prevention

Public Health encourages those who are at increased risk for HIV acquisition to take these steps:

Get tested to know your HIV status. Limit your sexual partners until you know your status.
Use a latex condom every time you have sex, including oral and anal sex.
Don’t share needles and syringes used to inject drugs, steroids, vitamins, or for tattooing or body piercing. Also, don’t share equipment (“works”) used to prepare drugs to be injected.
Don’t share razors, sex toys, or toothbrushes because of the possibility of contact with blood.
If possible, keep a way to reach your sexual partners so they can be informed of potential exposure to HIV should you test positive.

People at increased risk for contracting HIV

You may be at higher risk if you meet the following criteria:

Have multiple sex partners (serial or concurrent) and/or anonymous sexual partnering.
Cisgender or transgender queer man, a two-spirit person or a non-binary person who has sexual contact with a cisgender or transgender queer man, a two-spirit person or a non-binary person.
Have or have recently had a sexually transmitted infection, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, or genital herpes.
Inject drugs or steroids, especially if you share needles, syringes, cookers, pipes, or other drug-consumption equipment.
Have had tattooing, piercing, or acupuncture with unsterilized equipment.
Have high-risk partner(s), especially partners who inject drugs, partners with multiple sexual partners, or male partners who have sex with men.

Testing in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotians can access HIV testing through primary care providers, including family doctors, nurse practitioners, walk in clinics and Virtual Care NS.

Testing is also available at the following clinics:

CENTRAL ZONE

Halifax Sexual Health Centre

7071 Bayers Rd., Suite 302, Halifax

902-455-9656

https://hshc.ca/

QEII STI Clinic

5th floor Dickson Building, QEII

5820 University Avenue, Halifax

902-473-2272

https://www.nshealth.ca/service-details/STI%20and%20STD%20Clinic

Clayton Park STI Clinic

Dr. Michelle Ciach

310-255 Lacewood Dr., Halifax

902-450-0008

Newcomer Health Clinic

Resource for government assisted refugees, privately sponsored refugees and refugee claimants in the greater Halifax area.

Mumford Professional Centre

6960 Mumford Rd., Suite 0265 (main floor), Halifax

902-487-0501

https://www.nshealth.ca/content/newcomer-health-clinic

Wije’winen Health Centre

Resource for Indigenous people residing in Halifax Regional Municipality

2021 Brunswick St., Suite 209, Halifax

902-406-0851

https://mymnfc.com/event/wijewinen-health-centre/

EASTERN ZONE

Ally Centre of Cape Breton

150 Bentinck St., Sydney

902-567-0178

https://www.allycentreofcapebreton.com/services/#health

NORTHERN ZONE

Truro Sexual Health Centre

Fundy Trail Mall – Suite 130

68 Robie St., Truro

902-956-1550

https://trurosexualhealth.com/

WESTERN ZONE

The Red Door

10 Webster St., Suite 203, Kentville

902-679-1411

https://thereddoor.ca/services/

Tri-County Wellness Clinic

12 Cumberland St., Yarmouth

902-742-1790

http://www.tricountywomenscentre.org/wellness-clinic.html

If you have a history of recent HIV exposure or multiple anonymous sexual contacts, please contact Public Health at 1-902-481-5824 to facilitate the appropriate testing to rule out an acute HIV infection. Please leave a voicemail and include your name and phone number for a call back.

Safer Drug Supply Resources

Mainline Needle Exchange – Harm Reduction Program

5367 Cogswell St., Halifax

Office: 902-423-9991

Central Outreach (HRM): 902-830-3853

Provincial Outreach: 902-210-4205

Community Outreach: 902-830-9419

https://mainlineneedleexchange.ca/

Peer N Peer – Harm Reduction for 2SLGBTQIA+ Communities

AIDS Coalition of Nova Scotia

5516 Spring Garden Rd., Suite 203, Halifax

Andrew Thomas, Peer N Peer Coordinator