Health warnings as sexual infection levels rise in Kirklees

Sep 4 2010 by Nick Lavigueur, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

RATES of some sexually transmitted infections have risen in Kirklees despite a nationwide and regional fall, figures reveal.

Across Yorkshire and the Humber there was an overall 2% decrease in all Sexually Transmitted Infection (STIs) diagnoses in 2009.

But health chiefs are now warning that levels of unprotected sex need to be cut after rates of gonorrhoea and syphilis in the region rose by 9% and 8% respectively from 2008.

The figures, released by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), reveal Kirklees has the second highest rate of syphilis in the region and is third highest for gonorrhoea.

Leeds has the highest rate of all STIs with Kirklees being ranked fourth.

The rise in gonorrhoea is a particular concern as it is known to be developing resistance to drugs.

The HPA has predicted that within five years gonorrhoea could become a very difficult infection to treat if new antibiotic treatments cannot be found.

The figures also show that STIs are not just a problem for young people.

While the total number of cases is highest among younger people, the rate of increase in STIs has been greatest in the over 45s.

Over the last 10 years for gonorrhoea, there has been a downward trend for all age groups under 45 years.

But for the 45-64s there has been an increase of almost a quarter.

For syphilis, the picture is similar but in the 45-64 group there has been more than an eight-fold increase in new infections.

Dr Judith Hooper, Director of Public Health at NHS Kirklees and Kirklees Council, said: “These messages need to be taken on board by sexually active people of all ages.

“In Kirklees, our specialist service for Contraception and Sexual Health has already started to offer more comprehensive assessment, advice and support around STIs which has increased the access to STI services in the community.”