Karnataka Health Department Rejects Rumours of Widespread HIV Cases Among College Students

The Karnataka Health Department has firmly dismissed rumours circulating on social media claiming that thousands of college students in the state have been diagnosed with HIV. Officials said the reports are completely false and urged the public to avoid believing or sharing unverified information. The clarification comes after misleading messages created unnecessary concern among students, parents and educational institutions across Karnataka.

Health Minister UT Khader addressed the issue during an official press briefing, explaining that no government order has been issued making HIV testing compulsory for school or college students. He stressed that educational institutions are conducting only awareness and health education programmes aimed at informing young people about HIV prevention, safe practices and reducing stigma. According to the department, the viral claims have no factual basis and should not be treated as authentic information.

The minister clarified that HIV testing is not mandatory for the general public. In Karnataka, testing is routinely conducted only under specific medical circumstances. These include pregnant women as part of maternal healthcare and individuals who donate blood. Outside these situations, testing is carried out only when medically required or with the consent of the individual.

Officials also shared updated figures to present the actual situation. During the past three months, more than 553000 people underwent HIV testing across the state. Among them, 3091 individuals tested positive for the infection. Health authorities said these numbers reflect ongoing screening programmes and should not be confused with rumours suggesting mass infections among students.

The department further revealed that over 281000 pregnant women were screened during the same period. Among them, 111 women tested positive for HIV. Officials explained that routine testing during pregnancy plays a vital role in preventing mother to child transmission and helps ensure timely medical treatment for both mothers and newborns. They noted that these screenings are a standard part of public healthcare and are not connected to the false claims spreading online.

Authorities also highlighted the state’s long term HIV management efforts. Since 2004, more than 39000 HIV positive individuals have been officially registered in Karnataka’s healthcare system. Many patients continue to receive regular treatment and counselling through government supported programmes. Officials said most people currently undergoing treatment belong to the age group between 18 and 35 years.

The Health Department acknowledged another important challenge facing the state. Around 56000 registered HIV positive individuals are currently outside the regular treatment and follow up network. Health officials said efforts are underway to trace these individuals, reconnect them with healthcare services and ensure they receive proper medication and counselling. Continuous treatment is considered essential for maintaining good health and reducing the spread of infection.

Medical experts pointed out that misinformation surrounding HIV often creates unnecessary fear and discrimination. They said false reports can discourage people from seeking medical advice or getting tested when needed. Officials urged citizens to rely only on verified announcements from the Health Department and other authorised government agencies instead of forwarding social media messages without checking their authenticity.

The department also emphasised that awareness remains one of the strongest tools in preventing HIV. Schools and colleges regularly organise educational sessions to help students understand how the virus spreads, how it can be prevented and why people living with HIV deserve respect and equal treatment. These programmes are designed to remove myths rather than create panic.

Officials explained that HIV cannot be identified simply through appearance or casual contact. Proper medical testing is the only reliable way to determine infection. They encouraged anyone with genuine health concerns or those who believe they may have been exposed to seek guidance from qualified healthcare professionals instead of relying on rumours or unofficial advice circulating online.

The Health Department reiterated that Karnataka continues to monitor HIV cases through established surveillance systems and public health programmes. Regular testing, counselling services and access to treatment remain available across the state. Authorities said the current HIV situation is under control and there is no evidence supporting the widely circulated claim that 7000 college students have been infected.

Health experts appealed to the public to act responsibly while using social media platforms. Sharing false medical information can create unnecessary panic and harm public confidence in healthcare systems. Citizens were encouraged to verify health related messages through official government channels before forwarding them to others.

The department concluded by assuring people that it remains committed to strengthening awareness campaigns, improving treatment access and combating misinformation. Officials urged families, students and educational institutions to cooperate in spreading accurate information so that fear is replaced with awareness and stigma is replaced with understanding. They reiterated that responsible communication and scientific facts are the best tools to protect public health.