Dhaka, Oct. 27 -- The number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive cases in Sirajganj has risen sharply, prompting the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) to declare the district a "red zone".

According to the HIV centre, 255 positive patients have been identified in the district, 73 percent of whom are "injecting drug" users.

Masud Rana, councillor-cum-administrator of the Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Centre at Sirajganj Sadar Hospital, reported that of the 255 people infected, 187 are injecting drug users.

Among the others, 29 are college and university students, 35 are members of the general public, and four are sex workers.

"In this situation, Sirajganj district is being classified as a 'red zone'," he said.

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