EXPERTS have expressed concern after a steep rise in cases of HIV infection in the South West region, which includes Dorset.

The latest figures show that between 2001 and 2006, an average of 273 new cases of the Aids virus were diagnosed in the region each year, compared with 93 in 1996.

Most of the infections, 61 per cent, were passed on through heterosexual sex.

In 2006, more than 2,000 people with HIV were receiving care in the region, an increase of 97 per cent since 2002. The national increase was 65 per cent.

Dr Isabel Oliver, epidemiologist for the Health Protection Agency South West, said: "These latest figures show that HIV and other sexually transmitted infections continue to be a significant health problem in our region.

"These are preventable diseases and it is important that people wake up to the risks they face if they practise unsafe sex. Without condoms, sex with new partners is risky."

In England as a whole, cases of HIV have risen by 400 per cent in the last decade. Dorset has about 500.

Although highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has proved effective in delaying HIV deaths and the onset of Aids, it does not provide a cure.

Barbara Heffernan, executive director of Body Positive Dorset, said: "In the Wessex region, we are lucky to have the best possible medical care for people with HIV, but the emotional cost due to discrimination and stigma is still hard to live with."

She added: "People should take responsibility for their own sexual health.

"Lots of people think it can't happen to them. Your age, how many times you have had sex and with whom, your sexuality and your country of origin do not stop you getting HIV."

The charity is looking for extra funding to expand its HIV awareness training programme into schools, colleges and a range of other organisations.