More than 19 youths in Ramnagar village of Nainital district in Uttarakhand have tested positive for HIV AIDS after engaging in sexual relations with a minor girl aged 17, The New Indian Express reported on Wednesday.
“Over the past 17 months, 45 individuals in Ramnagar have tested HIV positive, sparking concern among health officials,” the report said, citing a source from the senior health department.
According to the report, the minor, who is allegedly addicted to heroin, engaged in physical relationships with the young men who provided funds for her addiction.
The report said, quoting a district health officer, “This is a disturbing trend, and we’re taking immediate action. The girl’s addiction led to this unfortunate situation, and we’re working to provide counselling and support,” he added.
“This is a wake-up call for our community,” said Dr Harish Chandra Pant, Nainital’s Chief Medical Officer. “We’re working tirelessly to raise awareness, provide counseling, and contain this outbreak.”
“A startling revelation has emerged in the Ramnagar HIV outbreak, where multiple youth contracted the disease without realizing they shared a common link,” a health official told The New Indian Express.
“These young men had no idea they were exposed to HIV through the same 17-year-old girl,” explained a counsellor.
(This is a developing story)
