Over 1,600 sexually transmitted infections recorded in Ireland in January
More than 1,600 cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were recorded in Ireland in the first four weeks of this year, 505 more than the same period last year.The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) tracks viral infections weekly, with special reports on STIs as well.Between January 5 and January 31, the HPSC received 1,647 notifications of STIs, averaging at about 411 cases a week and 61 cases a day.Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and herpes are the most common viral infections so far this year.When broken down further, HPSC data shows chlamydia is responsible for just over half of Ireland’s STIs. There have been 881 cases of the infection recorded in those four weeks so far, a jump of 62.25% compared to data from last year.Of the 10 STIs tracked by the HPSC, five have seen an increase in virality. Gonorrhoea (433 cases, up 35.31%), genital herpes (171 cases, up 27.61%), mpox (6 cases, up 100%), syphilis (84 cases, up 20%), and trichomoniasis (37 cases, up 131.25%) have all seen rises.However, two infections have seen decreases, including HIV, with only 34 cases reported in the first four weeks of this year, marking it down by 35.85%.HIV notifications in the report represent the first time each individual has a positive HIV test in Ireland. This will include people who have their first positive HIV test ever, and those who are living with HIV, having previously had a positive HIV test outside of Ireland.Infections by location and age. The HPSC also provide a breakdown of STIs by both location and age groups.HSE Dublin and Midlands (which consists of Longford, Westmeath, Offaly, Laois, Kildare, West Wicklow, and parts of South Dublin) recorded the highest number of STIs so far, with 309 cases.Cork and Kerry are responsible for a combined 63 cases in the first four weeks of January.As of currently, data on chlamydia notifications by HSE Health region remains temporarily unavailable.Meanwhile, there were 444 STI cases recorded for those between the ages of 20 and 24. There was only one case reported in the 0-14 age group.The HSE provides free home STI testing kits to anyone 17 or older in Ireland through its SH:24 service.
