Recently, Indiana governor Mike Pence started a short-term needle exchange program. According to a statement released by state health officials on Friday, HIV outbreak in Indiana's Scott County has seen a significant rise.

As per the Indiana State Department of Health, Scott County now has 120 confirmed HIV cases. In addition, the county has 10 preliminary positive cases. Last week, the county had 106 confirmed cases of HIV.

The state health officials stated that as more people are tested for HIV, there are chances that the number of cases will be raised in the county. The growing number of cases will put pressure on Pence to extend the short term needle exchange program that was approved on March 26 by the governor.

Spokeswoman Kara Brooks said on Friday, "Pence is reviewing reports and recommendations from health officials and will make a decision early next week about extending the program beyond April 25".

According to reports, the outbreak in the county has occurred among the user of intravenous drug and those who use the high-powered painkiller Opana. As per health officials, the county usually sees about five HIV cases every year.

Health officials said that since the governor started the temporary needle exchange program, 5,322 clean syringes have been provided to 86 people.