34 drug addicts aged 25-30 years test HIV-positive during surprise check in Himachal’s Nurpur, probably shared infected syringes

The Newz Radar

DHARAMSHALA: In a startling revelation during the ongoing police crackdown on drug addiction in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, alarming health concerns have emerged amongst the youth. Medical examinations conducted on drug addicts have uncovered a distressing reality in Nurpur sub-division where 34 youths have tested positive for HIV.

The victims, aged between 25 and 30 years, have been identified as drug addicts who frequently utilised the same syringe for intoxication. This practice led to the transmission of the HIV virus among the youth, highlighting the grim consequences of the drug trade in Nurpur and other parts of the state.

Upon investigation by authorities from both the police and health departments, it was found that the majority of affected individuals were part of a group that shared syringes while engaging in substance abuse. This led to a chain reaction, where the HIV virus proliferated within the group, infecting multiple individuals.

A senior official of the health department in Kangra expressed surprise over the discovery of HIV-positive cases among the youth. He highlighted the concerning trend of undiagnosed HIV infections potentially prevalent among other youth in the area, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive testing initiatives.

The symptoms of HIV include significant weight loss, recurrent fever, severe tuberculosis and respiratory ailments. These manifestations typically surface 8 to 10 years after initial infection, emphasising the importance of early detection and intervention in checking the spread of the virus.

“The emergence of HIV-positive cases among drug-addicted youths in Nurpur serves as a reminder of the multifaceted challenges posed by substance abuse and its associated health ramifications. Concerted efforts are needed to address the underlying issues and safeguard the well-being of vulnerable communities,” said a social activist, Vinay Chauhan.