Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
BBC News - Monday, 1 December, 2003
According to the Health Protection Agency, the number of cases has risen from 67 in 1993 to 125 in 2003.
The news comes at the start of World Aids Week, along with figures which say that the biggest rise in cases is amongst heterosexuals.
HIV awareness groups are also concerned that young people in both counties are becoming complacent about sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
According to the Health Protection Agency, the national percentages of cases in heterosexuals has risen from 30% in 1993 to 67% in 2003.
One woman from Cornwall, who only wants to be known as Robbie, says the public attitude towards HIV and Aids has been a major hurdle for her to overcome since she was diagnosed eight years ago.
She was infected in a heterosexual relationship, but says she has no ill-feeling towards her former partner.
She said: "There was no slyness involved and, therefore, I have no resentment."
In dealing with her illness on a day-to-day basis, she said: "I still have my bad days.
"I still get tired very easily and have to be close to home most of the time. But within that limitation, I have a much better feeling of life."
Robbie's neighbour, Alan, says he has changed his attitude towards the condition since he found out about her illness.
He said: "People believe you can catch it by being close to them, this is how ignorant we are.
"Until I met Robbie, I absolutely knew nothing about it."
Global numbers
But HIV awareness organisations are concerned young people are complacent about HIV and other sexually transmitted conditions - and still need to make sure they protect themselves.
Mike Taylor from the Eddystone Trust in Plymouth says many believe all such infections can be treated.
He said: "People now see these infections as almost being like a little blip, something that might come along and, if it does, you go along to the clinic and you get sorted out.
"But, in many cases, it's not as easy as that.
"Many infections can be treated, some can be treated quite quickly and efficiently. But even those are still worth protecting yourself against. HIV certainly is."
Globally, the number of those infected is believed to be now more than 42 million.
Half of the people living with HIV/Aids are women. More than half are under the age of 24.
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