HIV cases on the rise in Ireland

New figures published today by the National Disease Surveillance Centre show a rise in HIV infections in Ireland.

161 new cases of the disease were reported between January and June of this year, compared to 144 for the same period in 2000.

More than half the new cases were heterosexuals, while 25% were homosexual men and 16% were injecting drug users. 70% of the reported cases were in the 25-40 age group.

Dr Mary Cronin, a specialist in public health at the NDSC, said it is worrying that HIV cases are rising despite the fact that it is a preventable disease.

"There is evidence that a significant proportion of young people are having sex earlier and without adequate protection," she said.

"We cannot afford to become complacent about safer sex."

The 161 new cases in the first half of this year mean that a total of 2,507 HIV cases have been reported in Ireland to date.