Nine of drug team contract HIV in Malappuram, confirm authorities

MALAPPURAM: Nine from a drug gang have been tested positive for HIV. Malappuram DMO confirmed that the gang at Valanchery in Malappuram has been infected. Three of them are migrants. It is believed that the infection is likely to be caused for using the same syringe for drugs.

The shocking information came to light during a screening conducted by the AIDS Control Society two months ago. The screening was conducted among sex workers and regular drug users. The reports of this are now coming out. At the beginning of the screening, one in Valancherry was confirmed to be HIV positive. Then the gangs related to him were examined and tested. With this, more people were confirmed to be infected with the virus.

With the confirmation of the infection, the health department is screening more people, including their family members. There is concern that more will be confirmed to be infected with the virus. Reports said that this is the first time that so many people have been confirmed to be HIV positive together in the state.

HIV can be transmitted through unprotected sex and bodily fluids, including blood. It can also be transmitted through sharing syringes, blades, and other medical equipment. However, health experts say that HIV is not transmitted through saliva or sweat.