Jagatsinghpur: A couple in the district's Erasama police limits has allegedly been ostracised by community members on grounds that they were HIV carriers.

Local residents nurturing the misconception that HIV is an air-borne virus have warned the man and his infected spouse to leave the village for good or face dire consequence.

The incident has come to light with the victims lodging a written complaint with the district administration.

The administration has taken noted of the alleged ill-treatment. A team of counsellors has been sent to the village to sensitise the people.

A joint inquiry by the local block officials, health department and the Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre run by the State AIDS Control Society has been ordered into the incident.

Criminal action would be initiated against the villagers if they drive away the HIV-infected couple, said Jagatsinghpur collector Yamini Sadangi.

"It appears to be a stray case. However at present, superstitious mindset of people has changed a lot. Earlier, the HIV carriers used to be ostracised," said a health department official.

"People used to keep safe distance from the infected men and women lest it may contract them. There were instances in the past when villagers skipped cremation and preferred to bury the dead lest the virus from the infected body may 'spread in the air'. The family members also bore the brunt of the disease with neighbours found keeping safe distance."

"Children had also fallen prey to this disturbing social scenario. But, people, by and large, have now realised their misconception, and there has been an attitudinal change towards the disease," the official said.