Aids cases rise rapidly

The number of people diagnosed with Aids in the first six months of this year more than doubled from the same period last year in New Zealand.

An Institute of Environmental Science and Research monthly report says diagnoses of the disease numbered 33, compared to 14 for the first half of last year.

The Aids Foundation said the figure did not equate to a doubling of HIV infections (HIV develops into Aids), but it was concerned people might be getting complacent about the risks.

Executive director Rachael Le Mesurier said improvements in HIV treatment meant some people might not regard the virus as seriously as in the past.

The new figures should act as a timely reminder that HIV had not been defeated in New Zealand.

People can live with HIV for years without developing Aids, but there have been recent reports that some of the new Aids diagnoses have occurred within days of a person's HIV diagnosis.

- NZPA