Health officials in Malappuram district have reported around 10 new HIV cases over the past two months, raising concerns about the spread of the virus through shared syringes among intravenous drug users. The infections were identified during routine screenings conducted by the Kerala AIDS Control Society as part of the state’s ongoing anti-drug campaign.
Among those who tested positive, some were migrant workers, increasing fears of wider transmission, as per reports.
Contact Tracing Reveals Cluster of Cases
According to Malappuram District Medical Officer (DMO) Dr R Renuka, the outbreak was uncovered when one individual tested positive during screenings of high-risk groups, including drug users and sex workers, as per a report on The News Minute. Further inquiries revealed that the person had shared syringes with others, prompting health officials to test 15 of his close contacts—of whom nine were also found to be HIV-positive.
She warned that the district could see a rise in cases unless preventive measures are strengthened, reported India Today.
This is the largest cluster of HIV cases linked to drug use that Kerala has seen.
Challenges In Containing Spread
A key obstacle in controlling the outbreak is the reluctance of drug users to disclose their contacts due to fears of legal consequences. However, in this instance, one patient’s cooperation enabled officials to trace and test others at risk.
Health authorities are now ramping up their response by identifying additional contacts, providing immediate medical intervention and ensuring access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for those infected.
Experts are emphasising the urgent need for harm reduction strategies, such as awareness campaigns, to prevent further transmission. With Kerala intensifying its crackdown on drug abuse, the outbreak presents an additional public health challenge, requiring coordinated action between healthcare providers and law enforcement agencies.