Last updated 15:11, Wednesday, 14 January 2009

HEALTH bosses are reminding people about the dangers of unprotected sex and sharing needles following an increase in new HIV and Aids cases in Cumbria.

Seventeen new cases of HIV and AIDS were recorded in the county in the whole of 2007.

But in just the first six months of last year there were 13 new cases. Of those, 12 were contracted through heterosexual sex.

Nine cases were UK nationals living in the county and four cases were temporary visitors to the county.

In total, 5,157 people across the North West are currently infected with either HIV or Aids, with 115 of those cases recorded in Cumbria.

With most new cases in Cumbria caused by heterosexual activity, the county’s health bosses are issuing a warning that only condoms or strict monogamy offer protection from sexually transmitted diseases, HIV and Aids during sexual intercourse.

John Ashton, NHS Cumbria’s director of public health said: “Although there have been only a small number of new cases of HIV and Aids in Cumbria, it’s still an issue that we can’t ignore.

“If you are having sex with a new or multiple partners, you need to take the correct precautions and onlycondoms offer protection.

“We can’t be complacent. Although people suffering from HIV can live near normal lives with medication, there is no cure.”

Other sexually transmitted infections, including herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhoea and genital warts, have also been on the increase in recent years.

In 2007, 138 cases of herpes were seen in Cumbria, while 156 cases were seen from January to June last year.

If you are worried about STIs, HIV or Aids, make an appointment with your GP or visit your local genito-urinary medicine clinic for a test.