Sharp rise in sexually transmitted infections

Sexually transmitted infections jumped by 12.1% in Ireland last year, official figures said today.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) said the rise reflects unsafe sexual practices but more sophisticated testing methods and public awareness of STIs also contributed to the increase.

Most of the 10,695 reported cases in 2004 comprised of ano-genital warts, genital chlamydia infection and non-specific urethritis.

Public health specialist Dr Mary Cronin reiterated that many STIs may have no symptoms and early diagnosis was essential.

“For example, more than seven out of 10 women infected with chlamydia have no symptoms and may not realise they are infected.

“STIs can have devastating consequences for people’s health and fertility if undiagnosed and untreated.

“Early diagnosis and treatment are essential if we are to control the spread of infections.”

Dr Cronin urged sexually active people to practice safe sex and get checked out by a GP or clinic if they feel they put themselves at risk.

“Having another sexually transmitted infection also increases the risk of transmission and acquisition of HIV infection,” she said.

Gathering STI data will be improved next year with a new web-based Computerised Infectious Diseases Reporting System (CIDR).

This has been developed to manage the surveillance and control of infectious diseases in Ireland and will be implemented nationwide in 2006.

The HPSC’s 2004 Annual Report found:

:: A total of 10,695 STIs were notified last year, an increase of 12.1% on the 9,538 cases in 2003.

:: The three most commonly notified were ano-genital warts (4,174), Chlamydia trachomatis (2,803) and non-specific urethritis 2,746).

:: Notifications of STIs increased in 2004 by 4.7% compared to 2003.

:: There was a 45.2% increase in reported gonococcal (GC).

:: 86.7% of the 270 cases of GC infection were male.

:: Reported Hepatitis B cases fell from 112 cases in 2003 to 85 cases in 2004, mainly due to less asylum-seekers from sub-Saharan Africa and Asia attending clinics.

:: Notifications of syphilis decreased by 38.7%