Figures highlight 10% rise in new HIV cases

Figures due to be published today have reportedly highlighted an increase in new HIV cases in Ireland last year.

Reports this morning said the figures from the National Disease Surveillance Centre would show a 10% rise in the number of new HIV cases reported last year.

Some 399 new HIV cases were reportedly diagnosed during the year, compared with 364 in 2002.

The Dublin AIDS Alliance has attributed the rise to a number of factors, including increased complacency among young people, a decreased focus on prevention efforts and the rise in the number of immigrants from areas where HIV/AIDS is endemic.