Sexually transmitted infections at highest level ever

THE number of new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has reached its highest ever level in the Republic.

Figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre show that the number of notifiable STIs exceeded 10,000 cases for the first time ever in 2004. It means the total number of STIs has quadrupled in the past decade.

The HPSC warned yesterday that the prevalence of STIs among young adults highlighted how unsafe sex practices were placing their health at risk.