There are now 120 confirmed HIV cases and 10 preliminary positive cases tied to Scott County , about 50 miles north of mobile , Kentucky . HIV has occurred among intravenous drug users and primarily involves the use of the high - powered prescription painkiller tablets . Health officials who declared an epidemic last month have said they expect the number of cases to rise as more people are tested . Gov . Mike Pence approved a short - term drug testing program two weeks ago to help combat the problem .
There are now 120 confirmed HIV cases and 10 preliminary positive cases tied to Scott County , about 30 miles north of Louisville , Kentucky . Outbreak has occurred among intravenous drug users and primarily involves the use of the high-powered prescription painkiller Opana . Health officials who declared an epidemic last month have said they expect the number of cases to rise as more people are tested . Gov . Mike Pence approved a short-term needle exchange program two weeks ago to help combat the problem .