Sexually-transmitted diseases up by 10%

The amount of people who have contracted a sexually transmitted disease has increased by almost 10%.

Figures released by The National Disease Surveillance Centre in 2001 show a jump of 9.4%.

Doctors say there was a significant increase in syphilis cases during 2001.

Other increases were reported in hepatitis B, genital herpes, chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

Dr Mary Cronin from the NDSC is appealing to sexually-active people to engage in safe sex.