Nearly 90 HIV cases detected in Purba Bardhaman district

Kolkata | Desk:: Concerns over HIV infection have grown in the Purba Bardhaman district. The district administration and health department have reported that recent testing has identified nearly 90 HIV-positive patients across the district, including 30 residents of Bardhaman city alone. Most of the infected are young, highly educated, and professionally established.

According to the health department, the cases were discovered when a young man from Bardhaman was tested after a long-standing illness. After his HIV-positive diagnosis, contacts were identified, leading to a series of new cases. Preliminary investigations suggest the primary cause of infection was unprotected sex after acquaintances made through social media.

Vishwanath Rai, in-charge of the District Council's Public Health Department, stated that the spread of the infection is likely due to unsafe sexual practices. Meanwhile, Chief Health Officer Jairam Hembram stated that despite repeated awareness campaigns, people are not refraining from risky sexual behavior. He also warned that cases of infection are now increasing not only among men but also among women and young people.

Doctors say that effective medications are currently available to treat HIV/AIDS, which can control the disease. Experts have appealed to people to get tested promptly and practice safe sex instead of hiding their illness.

The administration has called for intensifying testing, counseling, and awareness campaigns while maintaining confidentiality. The Health Department says that HIV infection is preventable and can be controlled through regular testing, safe sex, and proper treatment.