LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — The state health department has identified HIV transmission clusters involving people who inject drugs in Ingham and Jackson counties.
HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system and is transmitted through bodily fluids or blood. Now, health officials are emphasizing the importance of getting tested, as according to a statement sent to 6 News, Ingham County reported 22 new HIV diagnoses in 2025, including 5 individuals who inject drugs.
MDHHS also said 7 people were added to the HIV cluster network, but that does not necessarily mean 7 new HIV cases. Some people may have already been diagnosed with HIV who were later linked to the cluster through the investigation.
Dr. Nike Shoyinka is the health officer and medical director for the Ingham County Health Department, and she says these clusters provide data that help identify transmission networks and risk factors.
Ingham County health officials mobilize in wake of ‘trend’ in HIV cases
“When you talk about a cluster, it’s a situation where we see an increase in numbers or group of HIV cases that kind of happen around the same time in the same area,” said Shoyinka…