Significant rise in HIV cases, warns consultant

THERE has been a significant increase in the number of people in Cork and Kerry infected with HIV, according to a senior consultant dealing with sexually transmitted diseases.

Dr Mary Horgan, HSE (South) consultant in infectious diseases, said last year 80 cases of HIV were reported in the region, compared to just 58 in 2007.

There has been a steady rise in HIV cases since 49 were reported in 2004 but, according to Dr Horgan, last year’s jump represents “a very worrying trend”.