Bhubaneswar: Another inmate at Jharpada Special Jail in Bhubaneswar has tested HIV-positive, taking the total number of HIV-positive prisoners in the jail to nine.

The latest case was detected after an accused arrested by Khandagiri Police and sent to judicial custody underwent a mandatory medical examination before being admitted to the jail. The screening confirmed that the inmate was infected with HIV.

The latest detection comes days after eight inmates at Jharpada Special Jail were found to be HIV-positive, triggering concern among other prisoners. Jail authorities have been providing treatment to the affected inmates inside the prison.

The eight inmates identified earlier are under regular medical supervision. A psychologist visits them daily for counselling, while they are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) medicines as part of their treatment.

The development follows similar cases reported at Choudwar Circle Jail in Kataka district earlier this month, where five inmates tested HIV-positive during routine medical screening. The infected inmates included two convicted prisoners and three undertrial prisoners.

The HIV-positive inmates at Choudwar Jail have been shifted to a separate ward and are receiving treatment. A doctor and two pharmacists are regularly monitoring their health.