Rise in HIV cases in UK

There has been an increase of almost 5,000 cases of HIV in the UK over the last year with more than a quarter of people unaware they are carrying the virus, according to the latest figures.

Statistics published by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) showed 77,400 people were living with the virus in 2007 - up from 73,000 the previous year.

The number of new infections among heterosexuals doubled while diagnoses among gay men also increased.

Head of HIV surveillance at the HPA’s Centre for Infections Dr Valerie Delpech said: "It is very worrying that so many people remain unaware of their HIV status.”

She called for more testing in prevalent areas, which included London, Manchester and Blackpool, which included routine tests when people sought medical attention.

Most diagnoses were late in patients, which reduces life expectancy rates.

According to the World Health Organization, 33 million people were diagnosed with HIV/Aids worldwide last year.