Officials in Ohio have issued a public health alert after learning that an HIV-positive sex worker had come into contact with more than 200 clients.
Washington County Sheriff’s Office prosecutes Linda Ines Lessese Soliciting after she tested positive for HIV, which is a third-degree felony.now both Sheriff’s Office and Marietta Police Department Authorities have contacted at least 211 people who may have come into contact with her and are working to ensure they are tested for HIV and receive treatment if necessary.
“I would like to remind the public that we have a deputy who will contact these individuals that we have numbers for,” Mark Worden, a chief deputy with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, said at a news conference attended by the public. I want people to understand.” Parkersburg News and Sentinel. “They’re not in trouble. This is public health awareness. This is not a scam.”
According to the sheriff’s office, during the investigation into the matter, the sheriff’s office learned that Lesse had tested positive for HIV since 2022 and may have had contact with people across multiple states. It was revealed that he was suspected of soliciting sex work.
“‘This incident could occur anywhere from Florida to the East Coast, but there are also local individuals that we will be contacting,'” Worden said, as reported by the News and Sentinel. . “This investigation continues and will be re-interviewed to protect public health and to gather information on others who may have had contact with this individual.”
Officials say those who have been in contact will be referred to local health departments and anyone who may have had sexual contact with Lessese will be advised to get tested.
