HIV cases on the rise

THE number of HIV cases diagnosed in the Territory this year has risen to nine.

Last year there were five cases in the NT.

Territorians travelling overseas and contracting the disease is partially to blame for the increase, the Department of Health said.

“The HIV cases in the (second) quarter were a mix of overseas acquired cases, cases diagnosed interstate moving to the NT and cases which were acquired locally,” a department of health spokesman said.

“There are usually between three and 14 cases per quarter notified.

“It is important for all Territorians to practise safe sex and safe injecting practices.”