Warning to addicts amid HIV increase

New cases of HIV among drug users have sparked a health warning.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said six cases were diagnosed in the city in about two months and urged addicts to seek help and avoid sharing needles.

The NHS said the area usually saw up to ten cases in a year. A spokeswoman said the recent spike in numbers was a concern, and that some cases were linked.

The board’s public health protection unit said free sterile equipment and contraception were available.

Public health consultant Eleanor Anderson said: “It is important for injecting drug users to engage with the wide range of services we offer, [which are] designed to help them tackle their addictions.

“However, for those who continue to inject, we remind them to take all the safety precautions necessary to protect themselves and others.”

Drug use is considered a major cause of HIV infection. Shared needles and drug equipment can spread HIV, hepatitis and other diseases.

Health Protection Scotland estimates that about 4,000 people in Scotland have been diagnosed as HIV-positive.