More than 4,000 STIs recorded in Ireland in first nine weeks of 2024

Between February 4 and March 2, the HSPC received notification of 1,894 STis — averaging at 473 cases per week or 67 cases per day. File picture

More than 4,000 sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been recorded in Ireland so far this year.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) tracks viral infections on a weekly basis, with special reports on STIs published every Wednesday.

The latest update shows that, overall, there have been 4,193 cases recorded in the first nine weeks of 2024 — a rise of 156 (or 3%) on the figures from the same period in 2023.

Between February 4 and March 2, the HSPC received notification of 1,894 STis — averaging at 473 cases per week or 67 cases per day.

Chlamydia, gonorrhea and genital herpes are the most viral infections transmitted so far in 2024.

When broken down further, HPSC data shows chlamydia is responsible for just under half of Ireland's STIs. There have been 2,279 cases of the infection recorded so far this year, including more than 1,000 in the last four weeks.

Indeed, of the 10 STIs which are tracked by the HPSC, six have seen an increase in virality compared to this time last year. Genital herpes (313 cases, up 13.8%), syphilis (198 cases, up 46.6%) and HIV (223 cases, up 37.6%) have all seen rises, with the number of cases of lymphogranuloma venereum doubling.

HIV notifications in the report represent the first time each individual has a positive HIV test in Ireland. This will include people who have their first positive HIV test ever, and those who are living with HIV, having previously had a positive HIV test outside of Ireland.

The 29 cases of trichomoniasis represents a 314.29% jump on the same period of last year's figure of seven. In women, trichomoniasis can cause a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, genital itching and painful urination. Men who have trichomoniasis typically have no symptoms.

Infections by location and age

The HPSC also provide a breakdown of the STI by both location and age groups.

HSE East (which consists of Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow) recorded the highest number of STIs so far this year, with 2,342 cases as of last Friday.

Cork and Kerry are responsible for a combined 429 cases so far in 2024, with all other regions bar the HSE Midlands and HSE North West (Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo) having more than 20 cases per week so far this year.

There have been two infections recorded in a person aged between 0-14.

The HSE provides free home STI testing kits to anyone 17 or older in Ireland through its SH:24 service.