HIV Outbreak In Lucknow Jail, 63 Tests Positive (image-freepik)

The health tests conducted in the Lucknow jail have revealed a surge in the number of prisoners infected with HIV virus. At least 63 prisoners are reported HIV positive and are under treatment.

As per the initial test which was conducted in December 2023, 36 were affected and now the number has gone up to 63. The jail authorities cited the unavailability of the testing kits since September as the reason for the delay in the test, reports NDTV.

“When HIV testing of prisoners was done in the camp on Dec 3, another 36 were found to be HIV-positive. Total 20 HIV- positive persons out of the previous 47 has been released in the past. At present, total 63 prisoners are living with HIV and are under treatment. Most of these prisoners are drug addicts,” said Ashish Tiwari, senior superintendent, Lucknow jail, say TOI.

Jail officials further added that the infected prisoners have a history of drug addiction. The administration asserted that the jail inmates were exposed to the virus through the usage of contaminated syringes outside the prison premises. However, the authorities have claimed that no prisoners have contracted HIV virus after entering the jail.

The infected prisoners are now being treated at a hospital in Lucknow. The jail administration has asserted that they are closely monitoring the health conditions of the affected. They have also assured that there have been no fatalities due to HIV infection in the past five years and all infected prisoners are working towards their well-being and containment of the virus within the prison walls.

Authorities have said that they will conduct a thorough investigation regarding the source of the virus and will review the existing health protocols to prevent the spread of the infection among prison inmates.