HIV cases may double warn doctors

HIV and other infections are on the rise

The number of people diagnosed with HIV in Northern Ireland could double this year, doctors fear.

Sixty-five new cases of the infection were diagnosed last year, according to figures released by the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre.

But 54 new cases have already been identified in the first half of this year - a trend which means HIV cases could double.

Dr Neil Irvine said the safe sex message needed to be stressed.

"Increasingly, we are seeing these infections now being transmitted within the United Kingdom, I am concerned about that," he said.

"Our numbers have been increasing from the late 1990s onwards.

"We are seeing this increase in both the heterosexual community and also men who have sex with men."

Dr Irvine, an epidemiologist who helped coordinate the report, said it was important to reinvigorate the safer sex message.

"People need to be aware of the risks of casual sex - the use of condoms, limiting the number of partners. If you put yourself at risk, make sure you go and get tested," he said.

Speaking on Monday, World Aids Day, Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride said the latest figures for Northern Ireland indicated a "worrying surge".

He said the incidence of HIV was "relatively low" in Northern Ireland compared to the rest of the UK, however, there was no room for complacence.

"I am committed to ensuring that we redouble our efforts on prevention and early diagnosis and that people in Northern Ireland living with HIV have access to the highest standards of treatment and care and most effective use of drug treatment."