Counties see sex infection rises

Other STIs have gone up, but cases of gonorrhoea have gone down

The number of sexually transmitted infections in Devon and Cornwall is continuing to rise, according to the Health Protection Agency.

Its figures show the total number of diagnosed sexually transmitted infections rose overall by 2% in 2004.

The agency said syphilis was one of the biggest areas of concern after a 72% rise to 98 cases during the year.

Chlamydia rose by 12% with more women aged between 16 and 19 testing positive. Gonorrhoea cases fell by 20%.

Health bosses are warning the increase is putting massive pressure on the NHS.

They are calling for people to take the message of safe sex more seriously.