By Pamela McGowan Health reporter

Last updated 11:33, Wednesday, 14 January 2009

THIRTEEN new cases of HIV and Aids were recorded in Cumbria during the first six months of 2008 – almost as many as the whole of the previous year.

John Ashton: ’We cannot be complacent,’ says director of public health

New figures show a stark rise from the total of 17 new cases reported during 2007.

It means 115 people are now living with either HIV or Aids throughout Cumbria.

The revelation prompted a warning from county health chiefs about the dangers of having unprotected sex and of sharing needles.

The latest figures, covering the six month period from January to June 2008, were revealed in the HIV and Aids in the North West of England Mid Year 2008 report.

This shows that across the north west, 496 new cases were reported during this six-month period. This takes the total number of people living with either HIV or Aids across the region to 5,157.

It was also revealed that, of the 13 newly recorded cases in Cumbria, 12 were contracted through heterosexual sex.

Health bosses are now stressing that, although there are many forms of contraception to stop pregnancy, only condoms or strict monogamy offer protection from HIV and Aids and other diseases during sexual intercourse.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the body’s immune system, leaving it vulnerable to other serious infections and illnesses. Although this can be slowed with medication, there is no cure and it can eventually lead to Aids (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) – an advanced form of the infection which can result in the immune system failing completely.

John Ashton, NHS Cumbria’s director of public health said although the numbers may seem small, every case has major consequences.

He said this is an issue we simply can not ignore.

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

“We cannot be complacent, although people suffering from HIV can live near normal lives with medication, there is no cure,” he said.

Of the newly-recorded cases, nine were found in UK nationals living in the county and four cases in temporary visitors to Cumbria.

Mr Ashton added that other sexually transmitted infections – including herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhoea and genital warts – have been on the rise.

For example, in 2007 as a whole, 138 cases of herpes were seen in Cumbria. However, in the subsequent six months a further 156 cases were recorded throughout the county.

Anyone who has had unprotected sex or is worried about HIV and Aids is advised to visit their local GUM clinic for routine tests, or discuss the matter with their GP.

PMcGowan@cngroup.co.uk