LIB DEMS WARN YOUNG LONDONERS OF SOARING SEX DISEASE DANGER

4.15.37pm GMT Thu 10th Mar 2005

London Assembly Liberal Democrats today warned young Londoners to 'get clued up' on the risks of Sexual Transmitted Infections (STIs) as they revealed new figures that show the rate of Chlamydia infections in children under-16's has rocketed by 69% across London in the last four years.

The latest figures, based on breakdowns from Strategic Heath Authorities, show that in under-16's, Chlamydia infections have

· Increased by 193% in North West London

· Increased by 107% in North Central London

· Increased by 104% in North East London

Figures also suggest that up to one in ten women in London are infected with Chlamydia. London has experienced a number of major syphilis outbreaks over the last three years, even though in 1996 it had almost been eradicated from the capital.

Dee Doocey said:-

"The increase in sexual infections in young Londoners is deeply worrying. What is equally disturbing is that so many young people are either unaware or ignorant of the risks of STIs.

"Since it is very common to have no symptoms with Chlamydia, people are often none the wiser. But Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed disease at sexual health clinics, and left untreated it can lead to infertility.

However the good news is that as long as people get to a clinic in time, Chlamydia can easily be treated and cured with antibiotics.

"Young people must get clued up about STIs and realise that although protection against HIV/AIDS is important, there are many other sexual infections that are spreading rapidly across London.

"STIs can cause horrible infections and impotence. It is vital that if a young person is sexually active they go for regular check ups at sexual health clinics to prevent these diseases spreading to partners."

ENDS

Notes to editor

Strategic Health Authorities in London Rates of new episodes of Chlamydia per 100,000 population of under-16s Increase from 1999-2003 per 100,000 of population Increase from 1999-2003 %

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

North Central 63.8 46.6 110.4 154.0 132.3 68.5 107.4

North East 36.5 26.6 64.8 77.7 74.4 37.9 103.8

North West 39.5 109.9 61.8 85.1 115.8 76.3 193.2

South East 94.0 82.8 97.8 50.6 93.6 -0.4 -0.4

South West 73.3 94.6 96.9 115.7 88.0 14.7 20.1

http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/hiv_and_sti/publications/annual2004/tables-stistha.pdf

2.1 Over the last decade the UK has witnessed a dramatic rise in sexual ill health. One in ten of the UK population have at some time had a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Between a third and half of sexually active teenagers in the UK, do not use contraception. In a single act of unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected partner, a teenage girl has a 1% chance of contacting HIV, a 30% chance of contacting genital herpes and a 50% chance of contacting gonorrhoea.

2.2 London has high levels of sexual health need compared to the rest of the UK. Levels of STIs in London have increased over the last few years. Between 1996 and 2002, London experienced an 83% increase in diagnoses of gonorrhoea, and a 132% increase in chlamydia diagnoses. London has also experienced a number of major syphilis outbreaks over the last three years, even though in 1996 it had almost been eradicated from the capital.

2.3 STIs disproportionately affect young people, with figures suggesting that up to 10% of young women in London are infected with chlamydia.3 The National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal 2000) shows that the median age of first intercourse is 16, however 30% of males and 26% of females have first intercourse before the age of 16. Research also shows that the young people more likely to have sex before 16, are socially disadvantaged young people. The presence of sexual ill health is a possible indication that sexual health promotion and education strategies are failing our young people, particularly the more vulnerable.