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Almost 11,000 STIs notified in 2004
[Posted: Wed 02/11/2005]
By Deborah Condon
The number of people contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Ireland is continuing to rise, new figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) have shown.
According to the figures, almost 11,000 STIs were notified in 2004, an increase of 12% on the previous year. The three most common STIs continue to be ano-genital warts, chlamydia and non-specific urethritis.
Commenting on the figures, Dr Mary Cronin, a specialist in public health medicine with the HSPC, highlighted the fact that many STIs have no signs or symptoms.
"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', Dr Cronin said.
The figures show that reported cases of hepatitis B fell from 112 in 2003 to 85 in 2004. However according to the HPSC, this downward trend should be 'interpreted with caution' as it may not continue in future years.
Notifications of syphilis also decreased, by 38% in 2004 compared to 2003. Between 2000 and 2002, there was a dramatic increase in syphilis among men who have sex with men in Dublin. While cases have been falling since then however, they have still not returned to their pre-outbreak levels.
Dr Cronin called on people to practice safe sex. However where a person feels they have put themselves at risk, they should get checked by their GP or STI clinic.
"Having another STI also increases the risk of transmission and acquisition of HIV. The prevention messages have never been more important as there is no cure for HIV, although with advances in treatment, more people are living with the infection", Dr Cronin added.
Darren C Posted:
19/01/2006 18:31 |
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