by Katie Lamborn

klamborn@thekmgroup.co.uk

Sexually transmitted infections are rocketing in Kent and the South East - with nearly 29,000 new cases diagnosed last year, it was revealed today.

That's a staggering 53 per cent increase since 2000.

The shocking figures released by the Health Protection Agency show 15 to 24 years olds continue to be the group most affected.

Since 2000, there has been a massive 248 per cent increase in syphilis cases and a 163 per cent increase in new chlamydia diagnoses.

Nationally, there were just under half a million new STI cases in 2009.

Dr Mathi Chandrakumar, director of the Kent Health Protection Unit, said: “These latest figures show that poor sexual health continues to be a serious problem among the UK’s young adults, including those in the South East.

"Many studies have shown that young adults are more likely to have unsafe sex and often they lack the skills and confidence to negotiate safer sex.

“Re-infection is also a worrying issue - the numbers we’re seeing in teenagers are of particular concern as this suggests teenagers are repeatedly putting their own, as well as others, long term health at risk from STIs."

STI rates are highest in cities, according to HPA research.