Number of new HIV cases in Ireland jumps by 32%

NEW cases of HIV infection in Ireland rose significantly in the first half of last year, according to figures published yesterday.

The National Disease Surveillance Centre (NDSC) reported 207 newly-diagnosed cases, a rise of almost one-third from 157 in the first half of 2002. Just over half of the people affected were women.

The figures bring the total number of cases of HIV infection diagnosed here to 3,216 as of end June 2003.