There were 157 new cases of HIV infection diagnosed in the State during the first six months of this year. Some 70 per cent of them were among heterosexuals, most of them women.
The figures, contained in a report just published by the National Disease Surveillance Centre, indicate there has been an upward trend in the numbers of new HIV cases among heterosexuals. Two years ago fewer than half all new HIV cases were among the heterosexual population.
The statistics show 110 of the new cases presenting between January and June this year were among heterosexuals, 18 were among gay men, 14 among injecting drug users and six were among children. A further nine cases were deemed to be in an "undetermined" exposure category.
The total number of HIV infections in the State now stands at 2,802.
The report also stated that the vast majority - 73 per cent - of heterosexuals diagnosed with HIV infections between January and June were born in sub-Saharan Africa. Some 12 per cent of new cases occurred in heterosexuals born in Ireland.
Most newly diagnosed persons - some 70 per cent - are resident in the Eastern Regional Health Authority Area, which covers counties Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow.
Furthermore, the report said there were seven new cases of AIDS reported in Ireland in the first six months of 2002. Five of them were among heterosexuals. This brings the total number of AIDS cases reported in the State to 726. In addition, there were two reports of AIDS-related deaths in the State between January and June, bringing the total number of AIDS-related deaths reported in the State to date to 367.
The National Disease Surveillance Centre (NDSC), in a statement, said the number of cases of HIV infection diagnosed among people of Sub-Saharan African origin was not unexpected, considering how endemic HIV was in that region.
"It is important to remember that people from sub-Saharan Africa do not form a homogeneous group and include students, immigrant workers, refugees, economic migrants, asylum-seekers and others," the agency said.
"In the context of reported increases in sexually transmitted infections and risky sexual behaviour, people must heed the safe sex message."