Public Health Nurse Kim Elke says we are facing the same problems as Saskatchewan was 10 years ago.
Elke says that the region is also facing chlamydia rates that are 3 to 4 times higher then the provincial average.
She adds that the leading cause to possible break out is IV drug users reusing needles.
This year the NWHU is on pace to hand out over 150,000 needles in Kenora to ensure users have clean needles to prevent any transmission.
Along with the needle exchange program Elke says the unit has cocaine and crack kits to prevent transmission by snorting, and is hiring a peer position from a drug abuse background to have a deeper impact with the drug community about the programs.
