'Worrying' increase in HIV cases

The number of cases in Hull and East Riding rose to 229 in 2007

A significant rise in the number of reported HIV positive and Aids cases in Hull and the East Riding has prompted a campaign for residents to get tested.

According to NHS Hull, there was a 20% increase in cases from 2006-2007. The increase across England was 2.5%, whereas London was less than 2%.

NHS Hull now hopes a week-long series of confidential clinics will help.

Dr Uday Joshi, from Hull's sexual health clinic, said the figures were "worrying".

Dr Joshi said the increase could be down to a rise in the number people from other continents moving to Hull to claim asylum.

Other factors could be an increase in the number of people being tested and that all expectant mothers are now screened in ante-natal clinics.

Cases rose from 190 in 2006 to 229 in 2007.

The Yorkshire and Humber region as a whole only saw a 4% rise, with cases rising from 505 in 2006 to 525 in 2007.

The clinics are part of a campaign designed to raise awareness of the infection in the run up to World Aids Day on 1 December.

'Get tested'

Marek Mironski, from NHS Hull, said: "This is the first time that we have run a week-long programme of screening dedicated to HIV testing, but we are hopeful that many people will take advantage of this opportunity.

"I would strongly urge people to attend one of the sessions to get tested.

"If a person does test positive, it's not all bad news, as the earlier the diagnosis is made, the more effective the treatment will be, and this will help people to lead a healthy, active life."

The clinics will run in Hull, Beverley, Bridlington and Cottingham next week.

HIV is a virus which attacks the body's immune system and which gradually reduces a person's ability to fight infection.

This can go on to develop into AIDS, which is diagnosed when a person's immune system becomes so weak that it cannot cope.

The most common ways HIV can be passed on are by having sex without a condom with someone who has HIV or sharing infected needles, syringes or other injecting drug equipment.