STI rates on the decline as yearly figure drops nearly 3%

Cork and Kerry are responsible for a combined 652 STI cases so far in 2024.

The rate of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Ireland is falling, with a drop of almost 3% on this time in 2023.

The figures, released by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), track eight major STIs as well as Mpox and HIV through weekly infectious disease reports.

The most recent report covers the first 14 weeks of the year.

While there has been an overall increase of more than 2,000 in the last five weeks since the beginning of March, when compared to the same period for 2023, there has been a drop.

In total, 6,215 STIs have been recorded so far in 2024 through to April 6 — a fall of 183 (2.86%) on the same point last year.

Six of the infections covered by the HPSC have also fallen year-on-year.

The three most viral infections remain chlamydia (3,329 cases), gonorrhea (1,703 cases) and genital herpes (485 cases).

However, chlamydia and gonorrhea have fallen 8.97% and 6.79% year-on-year.

Herpes, however, has risen by nearly 11%.

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.

For the first 14 weeks of 2024, 320 HIV cases have been recorded by the HPSC — a jump of 39.13% from this time last year.

The number of trichomoniasis cases has jumped from 16 last year to 43 this year. 

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

In women, trichomoniasis can cause a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, genital itching and painful urination. 

Men who have trichomoniasis typically have no symptoms.

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

HSE East (Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow) recorded the highest number of STIs so far this year, with 3,401 cases as of April 6.

Cork and Kerry are responsible for a combined 652 cases so far in 2024, with all other regions bar the HSE Midlands and HSE North West (Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo) recording more than 25 cases per week so far this year.

There have been four infections recorded in a person aged between 0-14 — two cases of chlamydia, one of genital herpes and one of HIV.

In terms of gender, more men (3,676) have had an STI than women (2,509).

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

Last year, there were 22,730 infections recorded by the HPSC — a rise of 29% (5,135) on 2022’s figures.