12 Apr 2014 10:33

16 drug users test positive for HIV in Astrakhan region

MOSCOW. April 12 (Interfax) - A major outbreak of the HIV infection has been detected in the Astrakhan region, the regional government said on its website on Friday.

"By April 11, 42 people have been established, 16 of whom tested positive for the HIV infection. All were jointly using amphetamine drugs by way of injection," the statement said.

A plan of prophylactic and anti-epidemic measures in the HIV outbreak area of the region has been sent for approval to the regional office of the Russian consumer rights watchdog (Rospotrebnadzor).