Debosmita Ghosh • 09 Jul 2024
47 Students Die Due To HIV In Tripura, 828 Test Positive; Symptoms And Preventive Measures Of The Infection
47 Students Die Due To HIV In Tripura, 828 Test Positive
A senior official of the Tripura State AIDS Control Society (TSACS) said that as many as forty-seven students have died from HIV in Tripura and 828 have tested HIV-positive, according to reports.
Senior official of the TSACS stated, “We have so far registered 828 students who are HIV positive. Out of them, 572 students are still alive and we have lost 47 people due to the dreaded infection. Many of the students have migrated out of Tripura for higher studies in coveted institutions across the country.”
The students have been identified from 220 schools and 24 colleges and universities who have been involved in injectable drug use, said the TSACS. The total number of active HIV cases in Tripura, until May 2024, stands at 8,729 registered individuals at ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) centers. Of these people, 5,674 people are reported to be alive and it comprises 4,570 males, 1,103 females and one transgender individual.
HIV, also known as human immunodeficiency virus, is an infection that affects the immune system. When HIV is not treated, it can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) which is the most advanced stage of the condition.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says that HIV has claimed 40.4 million [32.9–51.3 million] lives so far with ongoing transmission in all countries globally. “There were an estimated 39.0 million [33.1–45.7 million] people living with HIV at the end of 2022.”
HIV affects the immune system which makes it difficult for the body to fight infections and diseases. Mayo Clinic says that if HIV isn’t treated, it can take years before it weakens the immune system enough to become AIDS.
HIV can spread through contact with genitals, such as during sex without a condom. HIV also spreads through contact with blood, such as when people share needles or syringes. It is also possible for a person with untreated HIV to spread the virus to a child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.
Symptoms of HIV
The symptoms of HIV depend on the stage of your infection.
Symptoms of Stage 1 which is the primary stage or acute HIV
- Fever
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
- Weight loss
- Cough
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- Rash
- Night sweats
- Sore throat and painful mouth sores
- Swollen lymph glands, also called nodes, mainly on the neck
Symptoms of Stage 2 which is the clinical latent infection or chronic HIV
At this stage, HIV is still in the body and cells of the immune system. Many people don’t have any symptoms or the infections that HIV can cause. This stage can last for many years for people who aren’t getting antiretroviral therapy, also called ART.
Symptoms of Stage 3 which is also known as AIDS
In this stage of the infection, your immune system is highly damaged. People with AIDS are likely to develop diseases very easily. The symptoms at this stage of infection are;
- Sweats
- Chills
- Fever that keeps coming back
- Ongoing diarrhoea
- Swollen lymph glands
- Constant white spots or lesions on the tongue or in the mouth
- Constant fatigue
- Weakness
- Rapid weight loss
- Skin rashes or bumps.
Preventive Measures of HIV
Here, take a look at some of the ways to prevent HIV infection.
- Practice safe sex by using condoms consistently and correctly
- Get tested regularly for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections
- Limit the number of sexual partners
- Use using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if you’re at high risk
- Avoid sharing needles or syringes.
Mayo Clinic says that there’s no cure for HIV/AIDS. But medicines can control the infection and keep the disease from getting worse. Antiviral treatments for HIV have reduced AIDS deaths around the world.