Ten Test HIV Positive in Kerala – Outactive Sound Alarm (Image Credit: ISTOCK) on shared syringes
Ten people have conducted positive tests for HIV in the last two months in Malappuram district of Kerala. Health authorities suspect that the virus spread through the partition of syringes among drug users, increasing the alarm about the increasing risk of infection in weak groups.
Cases came to light during regular inspections conducted as part of the ongoing campaign against the misuse of drugs of the Kerala government. Kerala AIDS controls screening of high -risk groups, including drug users and sexual workers, identified a group of infections. Among the positive tests, there are some migrant workers, which combine concerns about the spread of viruses in various communities.
Investigation and expert warning
Malappuram District Medical Officer R. Renuka explained the gravity of the situation, cautious to take care that more undesirable cases can occur within the community. “High -risk category was tested. We tested someone who uses injectionable drugs and found them positive for HIV. We then collected details of people with whom they shared the needles and discovered further contacts for testing. In the last two months, 10, 10 have conducted a positive test for HIV,” he said.
Dr. Renuka explains immediate requirement of treatment and preventive intervention to curb further transmission. He said, “Among the 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 the people. We should also give counseling to the affected people,” he said.
Health officials are now intensifying their awareness efforts to prevent further infections. This involves encouraging voluntary testing, providing medical aid to already affected people and promoting disadvantages to drug users.
Preventive measures to curb the spread of HIV
With an increase in cases, health experts recommend several preventive measures to reduce the risk of HIV transmission, especially between drug users and other high-risk groups:
Avoid sharing needles – The primary reason for the spread of HIV among drug users is the reuse of contaminated syringes. The authorities emphasized the importance of using sterile, disposable needles for each injection.
Access to needle exchange programs – Providing clean syringes to drug users can significantly reduce the possibility of HIV transmission. These programs have proved effective in various countries and are important in efforts to reduce loss.
Regular HIV testing – Initial identity through regular screening can help in timely treatment and reduce further transmission. High -risk individuals must be encouraged to test often.
Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) – Those diagnosed with HIV should start art immediately to manage the virus and reduce the risk of spreading it to others.
Awareness and Education – Awareness campaign on HIV transmission and safe practices can help prevent the spread of viruses. Drug users and other high -risk groups should be educated about the dangers of sharing needles.
Using safe sex practice-protection and regular health check-ups can help prevent sexually transmitted infections including HIV.
Government’s response and next step
The Kerala government has increased its health intervention in the light of these findings. Special medical camps, counseling sessions and awareness programs are being organized in Malappuram and other affected areas. Officers urge the public to report any case of misuse of drug abuse and encourage risk to seek medical help.
As the Health Authority works to incorporate outbreaks, experts emphasize active measures and the importance of responsible behavior to prevent HIV from spreading further. Dr. Renuka said, “We should break the series of transitions by ensuring that drug users have access to clean syringe and proper healthcare. A community effort is required to prevent HIV transmission,” Dr. Renuka said.
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