Kinkini Gupta
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Written By: Kinkini Gupta | Updated : November 1, 2024 4:30 PM IST
Over 19 Youths Test HIV Positive In Nainital After Engaging In A Physical Relationship With One Girl: Report
More than 19 youths in Uttarakhand's Nainital reportedly tested positive for HIV or AIDS after coming in contact with a 17-year-old girl who is allegedly addicted to heroin. The 19 youths who te4sted positive had engaged in physical relationships with the girl and they have also been reported to have funded her addiction. Officials cited both the reasons as a main cause behind them getting HIV or AIDs. A district health officer said to the media, This is a disturbing trend, and we're taking immediate action. The girl's addiction led to this unfortunate situation, and we're working to provide counselling and support."
As per reports, the youths began to experience some symptoms and got sick after which the tests were conducted at the hospital. The doctors in Nainital's Ramnagar then confirmed that they were HIV positive. This is when the outbreak cam to the attention of officials. Many young men were reported to consult the doctors at the Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC) at Ramdatt Joshi Joint Hospital with health problems. After the tests were conducted, it showed that they were HIV positive. This lead to the start of an investigation behind the cause and the connections were soon revealed.
According to media reports, the 17-year-old girl allegedly engaged in physical relationships with local youths in order to also support her addiction to drugs. The youths who had come in contact with her were not aware of her HIV status. This information was revealed after counselling sessions. It turns out that she was the source of several HIV positive cases aiming the men who were in physical relationship with her.
Nainital's chief medical officer said in a statement to the media, "Typically, around 20 HIV-positive cases are detected annually. However, within just five months this year, 19 new cases have been reported." The officials have taken up counselling services in different areas to tackle the issue and the district health department is focused on providing support and education to the communities who have been affected.
