Valanchery, Malappuram: More details have emerged regarding the rise in HIV cases in Valanchery, where 10 individuals were confirmed to have contracted the virus after using the same syringe for injecting drugs.

The findings were revealed in a study conducted by the state health department over the past two months. Malappuram District Medical Officer Dr. R. Renuka stated that local residents and migrant workers were among those infected.

In January, the Kerala AIDS Control Society conducted a study among high-risk groups, including sex workers and drug users. The survey initially detected one HIV case in Valanchery. Further investigation into this individual led health officials to a larger drug network. As a result, the health department screened all members of the group, confirming HIV in nine more individuals.

It was found that drug users shared the same needles, and suppliers repeatedly reused syringes, Dr. R. Renuka said.

Due to injectable drug use, an average of over ten people in the state are diagnosed with HIV every month. In Malappuram alone, 10 new cases have been confirmed this year, according to nodal officer Dr. C. Shubin.

Health officials warn that similar cases of HIV transmission could be occurring in other districts.

According to the Kerala AIDS Control Society, HIV cases among young people have been increasing since 2021. While an average of 1,200 new cases are reported annually, 15% of those affected are between the ages of 19 and 25. Injectable drug use has been identified as the main cause. Previously, the majority of cases were found in individuals up to 43 years old.