Cuttack: Five inmates of Choudwar Circle Jail in Odisha's Kataka district have tested HIV-positive during routine medical screening. The development comes days after eight inmates at Jharpada Special Jail in Bhubaneswar were found to be HIV-positive.

The five HIV-positive inmates include two convicted prisoners and three undertrial inmates. Following the diagnosis, all five inmates were shifted to a separate cell as a precautionary measure.

They are also receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) medicines supplied through an ART Centre. Jail officials said the health condition of all five inmates is currently stable.

Earlier, eight inmates of Jharpada Special Jail had tested HIV-positive. The matter came to light after an accused arrested in a minor rape case was found to be HIV-positive during a medical examination. Those inmates were also housed in separate cells and provided medical care.