HIV Outbreak in Nainital: At Least 20 Men Test Positive for Virus After Having Sex With ‘Drug-Addict’ Teen in Uttarakhand

Dehradun, October 30: At least 20 men tested positive for HIV after they had sex with an infected teenager in Ramnagar in Uttarakhand's Nainital. As per the reports, the teenage girl concealed her medical status from local youths in order to get drug money in exchange for sex. The girl is addicted to the heroin

According to a report published by Haldwanilive, a single HIV-infected teenager was allegedly responsible for transmitting the virus to approximately 20 young men over the past 17 months. This situation has brought the Gularghatti area into sharp focus as local authorities struggle to manage the rising number of HIV cases. 'Serial Bride' Who Would Rob Men After Fake Marriages Tests HIV-Positive Following Arrest, Authorities Search for Infected Grooms in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand

20 Men Get HIV Infection After Having Sex With Single Teen

The issue came to light when young men began seeking medical assistance at the Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC) at Ramdatt Joshi Joint Hospital due to severe health problems. Subsequent testing revealed a high number of HIV-positive cases, leading to an investigation that traced the infections back to a 17-year-old girl from a financially disadvantaged background, reportedly addicted to heroin. In her efforts to fund her addiction, she allegedly engaged in sexual activities with local youths who were unaware of her HIV status.

Rising HIV Cases in Nainital

Data indicates a troubling increase in HIV cases in the Nainital district, with Ramnagar reporting the highest numbers. Over the past 17 months, 45 individuals have tested positive for HIV in the area, including 26 new cases between April 2023 and March 2024. Alarmingly, 19 new infections were recorded from April to October 2024, involving 30 men and 15 women. Of the men infected, 20 were traced back to the same teenager. BJP MLA Munirathna Conspiring To Infect Enemies With HIV, Claims Ex Karnataka MP DK Suresh.

Difference Between HIV and AIDS

It is crucial to differentiate between HIV and AIDS. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Being HIV positive means a person is infected with the virus, but it does not necessarily mean they have AIDS. With proper treatment, HIV can be managed effectively, preventing the progression to AIDS.

Counsellor Manisha Khulbe’s investigations revealed that some of the infected men were married, leading to further transmission of the virus to their spouses. This has raised additional concerns about the spread of HIV within the community. The health department is providing free treatment for those infected, ensuring strict confidentiality to protect patients’ identities.