Lamjung, January 4 The number of patients infected with HIV/AIDS has been increasing in Lamjung of late. According to Durga Datta Chapagain, chief of District Public Health Office Lamjung, at least 0.03 per cent of the total population of the district has been recorded as HIV victims this year while only 0.23 per cent of the population was suffering from the disease a year ago. “Though the ratio of HIV infected patients has decreased the number is still increasing,” said Chapagain. According to him, two new HIV patients were recorded until mid-December this fiscal, while the number stood at four last year. As many as 187 persons have been infected with the disease in the district so far. Of them, 108 are males and 79 are females. At least 11 victims, four women and seven men, have succumbed to the disease while at least 76 patients are being administered ARV drugs. As many as 133 patients are between 25 and 49 years of age while 13 are below 14 years. Likewise, 27 victims are between 15 and 27 years of age whereas 15 are above 50 years, according to the office. “As Lamjung is one of the worst hit regions in terms of the disease, the number of HIV infected might grow,” said Chapagain. A large number of patients are said to be from the district headquarters Beshishahar.