The number of people in Southend diagnosed with HIV has rocketed by more than 170 per cent this year, it was revealed today.
Southend Primary Care Trust admitted the figures - 190 confirmed cases so far in 2003 against 70 last year - are a "concern", sparking calls for an urgent inquiry.
It is not clear what is behind the rise, but there is speculation that an influx of asylum seekers with the condition seeking treatment is partly to blame.
Verina Weaver, Southend's executive councillor for health and social care, said: "I knew that it was fairly high but that is a lot.
"I wouldn't want to target any one group but I do know that it is something most seaside areas experience because of an influx of people from all over the place.
"It puts a tremendous strain not just on Southend Hospital, but on all sorts of services because eventually they need a lot more than just medical help."
Published Wednesday November 26, 2003
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