Huge increase in Chlamydia in Cork and Kerry
Experts concerned by rise in STI's
Examiner Mon 03/04/06

Health experts have expressed concern about the significant rise in people contracting STI's which can lead to infertility. Reported cases of Chlamydia in the two counties  last year are nearly  5 tìmes what they were in 2000. That year 88 were recorded in STI clinics.  The figure rose to 377 in 2004 and took another jump last year to 423.

These were just the cases reported in the 3 STI clinics in Cork and Kerry and experts believe that many more are being treated by GP's. Dr Mary Horgan, a consultant in infectious diseases in Cork University Hospital said that the rise in Chlamydia is causing concern, and pointed out that if left untreated can lead to female infertility, tubal, and ectopic (outside the womb) pregnanies..

"Our concern is the message not getting out there. Condoms afford protection against it," Dr Horgan said. Ano-genial Warts continue to top the list of STI's.  The number of cases climbed from 475 in 2000 and peaked to 655 in 2004.  Last year there were 620 cases. Genital Herpes rose from 29 in 2000 to 57 last year, which was the second highest recorded year since 2003 when there was 62.

"Ano-genital warts are the commonest STI in Ireland and there is a relationship between them and cancer of the cervix..  Regular smear tests are advisable." Dr Horgan said.

She pointed out that people are throwing caution to the wind while on holidays and catching diseases. Across the board, those reporting with diseases are evenly spread between men and women.

Around 50% of patients are in the 18 - 24 age group.  However Dr Horgan confirmed that the STI clinics had treated people as young as 16 and as old as 70.

" The message has to get out that most STI's are preventable.  Condoms are of benefit in the case of preventing Ano-genital warts and Herpes but not 100% effetive." said Dr horgan.

There are 3 STI clinics in Cork and Kerry.  They are at Kerry General Hospital in Tralee, at the South Infirmaty/Victoria Hospital, Cork and also the Youth Health Service Centre in Shandon St, Cork. Dr Horgan said and application has been lodged with the Dept of Health to expand the no of STI clinics operating in the are. "We would like to create additional outreach clinics or create additional spaces at our clinics in Cork," Dr Horgan added.

NEW CASES OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS

Year	Ano Genital Warts	Chlamydia	Gonnorhea	Genital Herpes
2000	474	88	35	29
2001	532	176	27	24
2002	632	364	20	45
2003	611	356	23	62
2004	655	377	28	50
2005	620	423	26	57