It is feared that young people are ignoring safe sex warning after diagnosis of some sexually-transmitted infections went up in Essex.
More people were treated for the two sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) herpes and genital warts in 2006 than at any time in the previous four years, new East of England figures released by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) show.
In both cases, there were significant rises in the 16-19, 20-24 and 25-34 age groups.
Infection rates for chlamydia, gonohorrea and syphilis all fell, in a boost for health chiefs after recent increases.
The HPA's Prof Pat Troop said the herpes and warts data was a worrying sign the message to use protection is still not getting through.
"It is important to remember that herpes infections are carried for life, and although the symptoms are treatable many people will continue to suffer from recurrences," she said.
- More in today's Gazette
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