Liberec region records sharp increase in STD infections

The Liberec region has recorded a sharp rise in the rate of HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis infections. Five new cases of HIV were recorded in the region in the first six months of 2007, two more than were recorded in the first six months of the previous two years.

In the same period, there were also 13 new cases of hepatitis B, more than double the amount for the whole of 2006, and 29 new cases of syphilis (as opposed to 18 cases over the previous twelve months). Experts have blamed the increases in infections in the region on unsafe sexual practices, particularly the lack of condom use. They also warn that the real rate of infections could be up to ten times higher than the official figures.