Vol. 411 No. 6
57 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the more rapid increase in the numbers in the heterosexual community that have become infected with the HIV virus; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
In common with most Western European countries there has been an increase in this country in the number of heterosexual cases of AIDS during the past four years. There has also been a corresponding increase in the number of HIV positive heterosexual persons. In a number of heterosexual cases, a contact with infected intravenous drug abusers has been established.
The degree to which heterosexual spread will increase is the subject of ongoing surveillance both in this country and other EC member states. In the meantime the emphasis of education and information programmes will be on the prevention of transmission of the virus through heterosexual contact.
