9 People Infected With HIV In Kerala's Malappuram Due To Shared Syringes
Nine people in Valancherry, Malappuram, tested positive for HIV from contaminated needles. The local health department reports rising HIV cases among drug users sharing needles
Nine individuals in Valancherry, Malappuram, have tested positive for HIV over the past two months. The health department has confirmed that transmission occurred through contaminated needles used for injecting drugs.
The discovery of used syringes near Valancherry town, an area with a significant migrant worker population, has raised concerns. The local health department has identified a worrying trend of rising HIV infections among individuals using needles for drug injection. This issue is compounded by the practice of distributors supplying drugs in pre-filled syringes and the frequent reuse of needles, increasing the risk of HIV transmission.
related stories
A survey revealed that 80 per cent of drug users consume drugs with friends, and most of them share the same needle, contributing to the rise in HIV cases among this group.
The spread of the virus was detected during a test conducted by the Kerala AIDS Control Society when an individual tested positive for HIV.
Malappuram District Medical Officer Dr R Renuka confirmed the sharing of needles and their reuse by distributors. On average, over ten individuals in the state are diagnosed with HIV each month due to injecting drug use. According to Nodal Officer Dr C Shubin, ten people have been diagnosed with HIV in Malappuram district in 2025 so far.
- Location :
- First Published: