Ten Test HIV Positive In Kerala—Officials Sound Alarm Over Shared Syringes (Image Credits: iStock)
Ten people have tested positive for HIV in the past two months in Kerala’s Malappuram district. Health officials suspect that the virus spread through the sharing of syringes among drug users, raising alarms about the rising risk of infection in vulnerable groups.
The cases came to light during routine inspections conducted as part of the Kerala government’s ongoing campaign against drug abuse. The Kerala Aids Control Society’s screening of high-risk groups, including drug users and sex workers, identified the cluster of infections. Among those who tested positive, some are migrant workers, adding to concerns about the virus's spread across different communities.
Investigation and Expert Warnings
Malappuram District Medical Officer R. Renuka explained the gravity of the situation, cautioning that more undetected cases could exist within the community. “High-risk category checks were conducted. We tested someone who uses injectable drugs and found them positive for HIV. We then gathered details of those with whom he had shared needles and traced further contacts for testing. In the past two months, 10 have tested positive for HIV,” she said.
Dr. Renuka explains the urgent need for treatment and preventive interventions to curb further transmission. “Among drug abusers, sharing syringes with an HIV-infected person will lead to the spread of the virus. We have to ensure that this message reaches people. We must also provide counselling to those affected,” she added.
Health officials are now intensifying their awareness efforts to prevent further infections. This includes encouraging voluntary testing, providing medical assistance to those already affected, and promoting harm-reduction strategies for drug users.
Preventive Measures to Curb HIV Spread
With the surge in cases, health experts recommend several preventive measures to reduce the risk of HIV transmission, especially among drug users and other high-risk groups:
Avoid Sharing Needles – The primary cause of HIV spread among drug users is the reuse of contaminated syringes. Authorities emphasize the importance of using sterile, disposable needles for each injection.
Government’s Response and Next Steps
The Kerala government has ramped up its health interventions in light of these findings. Special medical camps, counselling sessions, and awareness programs are being conducted across Malappuram and other affected regions. Officials urge the public to report any cases of drug abuse and encourage at-risk people to seek medical support.
As health authorities work to contain the outbreak, experts stress the importance of proactive measures and responsible behaviour to prevent HIV’s further spread. “We must break the chain of infection by ensuring that drug users have access to clean syringes and proper healthcare. Preventing HIV transmission requires a community effort,” Dr Renuka stated.
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