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25/11/2004
Thousands of HIV/Aids sufferers unaware they have virus: report
There are 14,300 adults living in the UK who are unaware that they are carrying the HIV/Aids virus, according to the shock findings of a Health Protection Agency (HPA) report.
The agency's annual report on HIV found that the total number of carriers had topped 53,000, with the number of new infections diagnosed in gay and bisexual men expected to be the highest for over 10 years.
Overall, there were 6,606 new infections diagnosed in 2003, 58% (3,801) of these were amongst heterosexuals, with gay and bisexual men accounting for 26% (1,735). Around 80% of infections in gay adults are thought to have been contracted in this country, while 90% of new infections in heterosexuals were not.
The vast majority of new infections in heterosexuals were found to be in women – with 2,465 cases out of 3,801.
The report's author has said that the variation and increase in infections was largely due to the migration of people from areas of the world where there is a high prevalence of HIV, such as sub-Saharan Africa.
Dr Kevin Fenton, a co-author of the report, said that health initiatives involving sexual health education, opportunities to screen those with no symptoms, and early diagnosis and treatment of those infected were crucial to tackling the issue.
He added: "It is vital that such prevention measures are targeted at those groups most at risk from HIV and STIs, including gay men, black and ethnic minorities, and young people."
HPA chairman Sir William Stewart said: “Early diagnosis and treatment are essential if we are to control the spread of infections. These can have devastating consequences for people's health and fertility if left unchecked and untreated.”
In terms of resources, the HPA has estimated that each HIV infection prevented can save between £500,000 and £1 million in treatment and lost productivity, and can also save the significant social costs placed upon those who become infected.
(gmcg/sp)
The agency's annual report on HIV found that the total number of carriers had topped 53,000, with the number of new infections diagnosed in gay and bisexual men expected to be the highest for over 10 years.
Overall, there were 6,606 new infections diagnosed in 2003, 58% (3,801) of these were amongst heterosexuals, with gay and bisexual men accounting for 26% (1,735). Around 80% of infections in gay adults are thought to have been contracted in this country, while 90% of new infections in heterosexuals were not.
The vast majority of new infections in heterosexuals were found to be in women – with 2,465 cases out of 3,801.
The report's author has said that the variation and increase in infections was largely due to the migration of people from areas of the world where there is a high prevalence of HIV, such as sub-Saharan Africa.
Dr Kevin Fenton, a co-author of the report, said that health initiatives involving sexual health education, opportunities to screen those with no symptoms, and early diagnosis and treatment of those infected were crucial to tackling the issue.
He added: "It is vital that such prevention measures are targeted at those groups most at risk from HIV and STIs, including gay men, black and ethnic minorities, and young people."
HPA chairman Sir William Stewart said: “Early diagnosis and treatment are essential if we are to control the spread of infections. These can have devastating consequences for people's health and fertility if left unchecked and untreated.”
In terms of resources, the HPA has estimated that each HIV infection prevented can save between £500,000 and £1 million in treatment and lost productivity, and can also save the significant social costs placed upon those who become infected.
(gmcg/sp)
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26 January 2006
Diagnoses of new HIV infections remain high
The number of new cases of HIV recorded in the UK continued to grow at a high rate in 2005. Health Protection Agency (HPA) figures revealed that there were 5,560 new HIV diagnoses reported for 2005, but the figure is expected to exceed 7,750 when all the reports for the year are known.
Diagnoses of new HIV infections remain high
The number of new cases of HIV recorded in the UK continued to grow at a high rate in 2005. Health Protection Agency (HPA) figures revealed that there were 5,560 new HIV diagnoses reported for 2005, but the figure is expected to exceed 7,750 when all the reports for the year are known.
24 November 2005
UK sees continued rise in HIV cases
A new report has shown that the number of people with HIV in the UK has risen by more than 5,000 in a year. The report, released today by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), shows the number of people living with HIV is now around 58,300.
UK sees continued rise in HIV cases
A new report has shown that the number of people with HIV in the UK has risen by more than 5,000 in a year. The report, released today by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), shows the number of people living with HIV is now around 58,300.
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Patient tests offered after hospital worker diagnosed with HIV
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Patient tests offered after hospital worker diagnosed with HIV
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War on superbugs blighted by NHS monitoring failures
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22 March 2004
Children at greater risk of MRSA infection: report
Children in hospital are at a greater risk of succumbing to MRSA infection now than at any time in the past decade, according to a paper published in this week’s Archives of Disease in Childhood.
Children at greater risk of MRSA infection: report
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