Officials urge public to take precaution, get tested for HIV

SALISBURY, Md. – HIV continues to be a problem around the nation, as well as right here on the eastern shore. Thursday is national HIV testing day, a day for clinics and other agencies to try to diminish the viruses prevalence.

The Wicomico County Health Department says HIV numbers have increased on the shore, but that could be the result of more people getting tested.

The CDC recommends that everyone between the ages 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care, adding that 1 in 7 people with HIV do not know they have it.

“It is important for people to get tested and know their status. People can have the virus and not be sick for a long time,” said Wicomico County Health Department communicable disease program manager Olivia Butler.

The Wicomico County Health Department has programs to help make sure they get anyone into care if they do test positive, with a staff including nurses, a case manager, and a disease intervention specialist.

Officials add that getting tested and knowing your status is important to stopping the viruses spread.