15 people test HIV positive in this region in Kerala; minor girls among infected

KOCHI: A study conducted by the Health Department has found an increase in HIV cases in Perumbavoor. HIV infection has been confirmed in 15 people. Among them are Malayalis and minor girls. Officials at the Taluk Hospital said the report has been submitted to the Health Department.

The 15 new cases were identified during random testing carried out by the District Medical Office in November and December. The testing was conducted through the Perumbavoor Taluk Hospital. Since the tests were random, tracing the infected individuals and identifying their current locations has become a challenge.

There are doubts about whether all 15 people are still in Perumbavoor or if they have moved elsewhere for work. It is reported that some people change their residence out of fear of being isolated if their HIV status becomes known.

Health officials believe that the sharing of syringes among drug users is a major cause of the spread of the infection. In addition, sex work is said to be widespread among migrant workers from other states, which may also have contributed to the spread of the disease. Officials say language barriers make it difficult to identify and create awareness among these groups.

Meanwhile, recent data shows that a significant number of HIV patients in Kerala are young people. According to 2024–25 figures, 14 percent of those infected are between 19 and 25 years old. Out of 1,213 people diagnosed with HIV during this period, 197 were in this age group.