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HIV Cases Soar In Mizoram! 32,287 Infected – Are You At Risk?

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Posted By
Pallavi Mehra
Publish Date
Date
February 27, 2025
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HIV Cases Soar In Mizoram! 32,287 Infected – Are You At Risk? (Image Credits: iStock)

Mizoram has the highest HIV prevalence rate in India, with 2.73 per cent of its population affected, far exceeding the national average of 0.2 per cent. Health Minister Lalrinpuii recently expressed concern over this growing crisis and urged lawmakers to take strong action. Speaking at a meeting of the Mizoram Legislative Forum on AIDS, the minister urged the urgent need for effective measures to control the spread of HIV in the state.

What is HIV?HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that weakens the immune system by attacking CD4 cells (T cells), which help the body fight infections. Without treatment, HIV reduces the body's ability to resist diseases, eventually leading to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), the most severe stage of the infection.

How Does HIV Spread?HIV spreads through direct contact with certain body fluids of an infected person:
    Unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) with an HIV-positive person.
  • Sharing needles or syringes for drug use, tattoos, or medical procedures.
  • Blood transfusions involving contaminated blood (though rare due to strict screening).
  • Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
  • Accidental exposure among healthcare workers handling infected blood.
    • HIV does not spread through casual contact like hugging, sharing food, mosquito bites, or touching surfaces.

    Who is at Risk?While anyone can get HIV, certain groups have a higher risk:
      People who have multiple sexual partners or do not use protection.
  • Intravenous drug users who share needles.
  • Sex workers and their clients.
  • People with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as STIs, make it easier for HIV to enter the body.
  • Healthcare workers who come in contact with infected blood.
  • Babies born to HIV-positive mothers if proper medical precautions are not taken.

    • Symptoms of HIV

    HIV symptoms vary depending on the stage of the infection:
      Early Stage (Acute HIV) – Occurs 2-4 weeks after infection:
      Fever
  • Chills
  • Rash
  • Night sweats
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle aches
  • Chronic HIV (Asymptomatic Stage) – Can last for years with few or no symptoms.
  • Advanced Stage (AIDS) – The immune system is severely damaged, leading to:
      • Rapid weight loss
  • Frequent infections
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Skin rashes
  • Chronic diarrhoea
  • Memory loss or neurological problems

    • Preventive Measures

    Preventing HIV is possible with proper precautions:
      Use protection (condoms) during sexual activities.
  • Avoid sharing needles or syringes.
  • Get tested regularly if sexually active or at risk.
  • Take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) – A medication that lowers the risk of HIV infection.
  • Ensure safe blood transfusions by choosing certified medical centres.
  • Pregnant women with HIV should take antiretroviral treatment (ART) to prevent transmission to their babies.
  • Educate communities about HIV risks and prevention methods.
    • Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world.
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