Karnal. In the last five years, 1,415 HIV infected patients have been identified in Karnal. This infection is spreading rapidly, especially among youth and pregnant women, which is a matter of serious concern. Let us know its causes, statistics, symptoms and prevention measures.
The rate of HIV infection is continuously increasing in Karnal district. The main reasons behind this are unsafe sex, shared needle use and lack of awareness.
According to the latest data from the health department, 1,96,573 people were tested between October 2021 and October 2025, in which 1,415 people were found HIV positive. This shows that the infection is spreading rapidly among youth and teenagers. Experts believe that if awareness and behavior are not improved in time, this situation may become more serious.
In the investigation, people of all age groups, from children between 0 to 14 years to people above 50 years of age, have been found infected. Apart from this, cases of infection have been reported in all groups of men, women, teenagers and transgenders.
Notably, 86 pregnant women were also found to be HIV positive, posing a serious risk to both mother and child.
At present, 1,994 patients are receiving treatment and consultation at the ART Center of the District Civil Hospital.
There are two types of facilities available in the district for HIV testing:
ICTC Center
At 6 major locations:
• Civil Hospital
• Kalpana Chawla Medical College
• dissonance
• Gharaunda
• senses
• Nilokhedi
FINTC Center
Free testing facility is available in 24 villages and localities of the district.
The health department has conducted more than 1500 awareness programs, yet the rise in cases is an indication that information is not reaching people properly.
According to nodal officer Dr. Munish, treating HIV is challenging, but awareness is the most effective way to stop its spread.
Major causes of infection:
• Unprotected sex
• transfusion of blood from an infected person
• Use of contaminated needle or syringe
• Transmission from infected pregnant mother to child
• Infection during breastfeeding
Many people do not understand that they have been infected. Initial symptoms are like those of a common viral infection:
• High fever and chills
• sore throat
• Constant fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes in the body
• Excessive sweating at night
• Pain in muscles and joints
• Skin rashes
• Diarrhea, headache
• Unwanted weight loss
If such symptoms are seen, it is advisable to get an HIV/STD test done immediately.
Year Normal Test Positive ANC (Pregnant) Test ANC Positive
2020–21 27,204 222 20,688 22
2021–22 33,096 275 22,154 24
2022–23 49,644 362 21,257 12
2023–24 54,537 328 20,934 19
2024–25 (by October) 32,092 228 12,421 9
Total 1,96,573 1,415 97,456 86
The rapid spread of HIV among youth has an adverse impact on the future of society. The increase in cases among pregnant women poses a threat to both the mother and the child. The young generation moving towards drug addiction is becoming a new medium of spread of infection. Statistics show that awareness programs are not making enough impact, necessitating a change in strategy.
