103 New HIV Cases Diagnosed In NI In 2015

Although HIV prevalence in Northern Ireland remains lower than in the other UK countries, the percentage increase in annual new diagnoses in NI between 2005 and 2015 is highest of the UK countries, according to the Public Health Agency (PHA).

The PHA published its 'HIV surveillance in Northern Ireland 2016' to mark World AIDS Day today, 01 December, and to raise awareness about HIV.

During 2015, 103 new first-UK cases of HIV were diagnosed in Northern Ireland. 58 new HIV diagnoses occurred through MSM transmission, while 35 occurred through heterosexual transmission. 28 new HIV diagnoses were made at a late stage.

HIV/AIDS is a viral infection caused by type 1 and type 2 HIV retroviruses. It can be transmitted through sexual contact, sharing of HIV-contaminated needles and syringes, and transmission from mother to child before, during, or shortly after birth.

Dr Neil Irvine, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said: "Many people who are living with HIV have no obvious signs or symptoms. The only way of knowing if you have the virus is by taking a HIV test.

"It is important not to delay seeking advice and taking this test if you feel you have been at risk. The earlier the condition is diagnosed the more successful treatment is likely to be.

"People with HIV have a near-normal life expectancy if diagnosed early and treated promptly. It is estimated that the majority of onward transmission is from those with undiagnosed HIV.

"Once diagnosed, individuals are less likely to pass on their infection due to treatment and behaviour change, so it is essential for both the person with HIV and those with whom they may have sex that the condition is diagnosed early."

(CD/JP)