84 New HIV Cases Diagnosed In NI Last Year

Over 80 new cases of HIV were diagnosed in Northern Ireland last year, according to a new report by the Public Health Agency (PHA).

A total of 1,073 people in the region are now living with the condition. The HIV surveillance in Northern Ireland 2018 study shows that 84 of these cases were diagnosed in 2017.

The human immunodeficiency virus damages the cells in the immune system and weakens the carrier's ability to fight everyday infections and disease.

The figures emerged ahead of World Aids Day on Saturday 01 December, as the PHA launched a campaign to encourage anyone at risk to get tested. Life expectancy can be near-normal if diagnosed early and treated promptly.

Dr Claire Neill, Specialist Registrar with the PHA, said: "Many people living with HIV have no obvious signs or symptoms, so the only way of knowing if you have the virus is by taking a test. It is important not to delay if you have put yourself at risk. Seek advice and take the test as soon as you can.

"A significant number of people are being diagnosed at a late stage, which means that the virus may have already had a significant impact on their health.

"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 changing their behaviour, so it is essential for both the person with HIV and anyone with whom they may have sex, that the condition is diagnosed early."

The key routes of transmission remain to be sexual contact involving men who have sex with men (MSM) and sexual contact between men and women.

During 2017, of the 84 new cases diagnosed in Northern Ireland, 45 (54%) occurred through MSM transmission, while 26 (31%) occurred through heterosexual transmission. 31 (41%) new HIV diagnoses were made at a late stage.

Dr Neill continued: "People are still contracting HIV here, so I want to stress the importance of taking steps to reduce your likelihood of getting the virus. If you have unprotected sex, you could effectively be sleeping with everyone your partner's ever slept with, putting yourself at risk of getting HIV or another STI. If you are sexually active, use condoms, limit your number of sexual partners and get tested if you think you might be at risk."

NI Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride added that the PHA figures show the condition is on the rise in Northern Ireland, and urged anyone at risk to take protective measures.

"Many of the HIV diagnoses are being made late, years after the infection was acquired, despite the fact that early diagnosis and treatment significantly improves the prognosis," he said.

"If you think you have put yourself at risk, get tested early so you can benefit from the excellent treatments available."