Indiana Looking to Add More Contact Tracers, Update Procedures

Indiana is looking to update its contact tracing procedures, amid the surge in COVID-19 cases. Back in May, the state contracted with a company called Maximus to launch a centralized contact tracing center to ease the burden on local health departments. But now, the Starke and Pulaski County health departments say they’re being inundated with cases, and they need to hire part-time nurses to keep up.

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No New HIV Cases Reported in Immediate Area

Injection drug use is pinpointed as a cause of a jump in HIV cases in Scott County. No new cases of HIV have been reported locally.

Governor Mike Pence declared a public health emergency in Scott County yesterday due to an outbreak of HIV cases. The Indiana State Department of Health has identified 79 cases of HIV originating in Scott County.

Frank Lynch from the Starke County Health Department said that the state may take action and institute a program that brings awareness to all counties.

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Take Steps to Prevent the Flu

The flu season is underway and health officials urge you to take steps now to prevent the flu.

Influenza is a viral infection of the respiratory tract and is spread by droplets from close contact with infected people or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Symptoms of the flu include fever, headache, fatigue, cough, muscle aches and sore throat.

Some people are at higher risk of complications related to the flu including pregnant women, young children, those with chronic illnesses and/or compromised immune systems and the elderly.

Prevent the spread of the flu by washing your hands frequently, cover your coughs and sneezes and stay home if you are sick.

The Pulaski County Health Department has a full supply of flu vaccines. You can get a flu shot from 8 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. For more information, call (574) 946-6080.