Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
BBC News - December 1, 2006
According to statistics, 26 out of every 100,000 people were being treated for HIV or Aids in Wales in 2005 - a total of 760 sufferers in the nation.
This rose from 674 patients in 2004, which is equal to 23 out of every 100,000.
The National Public Health Service for Wales said young men having sex with men were "still taking risks".
Men under 25, who have sex with men, accounted for 11% of the newly diagnosed cases of HIV.
The report, published by the Health Protection Agency with support from the National Public Health Service for Wales, coincides with World Aids Day on December 1.
Dr Marion Lyons, head of health protection for the National Public Health Service for Wales, said: "The number of infections in men who have sex with men has increased steadily year on year - they still contribute to the majority of infections acquired in Welsh residents.
'Exposed'
"The number of infections occurring in young men under 25 years is a cause for concern.
"This level of infection in men who have sex with men shows that individuals are still taking risks."
She urged people to practice safe sex to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections.
"We have seen an increase in the number of heterosexual men and women who have acquired the infection in countries where there is a high prevalence of HIV or through unprotected sexual intercourse with individuals from these countries.
"The risk is much reduced if people practice safe sex.
"As well as putting themselves at risk of HIV infection, men who have unprotected sex with men are increasingly being exposed to a number of other sexually transmitted infections.
"Many such infections are diagnosed in clinics in Wales."
KEY FINDINGS
--Rates of HIV continuing to increase in Wales
--'Particular concern' is continuing transmission among men who have sex with men
--This group at risk of an overlapping HIV, syphilis and hepatitis epidemic emerging in Europe
--Most cases of gonorrhoea and chlamydia occurring in young heterosexuals
--Across the UK, heterosexual women account for 35% of new diagnoses of HIV - nearly twice figure in 1996
--Heterosexuals represent 54% of new HIV diagnoses, with 85% infections acquired outside UK
Source: Health Protection Agency
061201
BB061208
Copyright © 2006 - BBC. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the BBC.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2006. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2006. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.
.