FIFTEEN people in East Lancashire have died from the AIDS virus in the past year, it was revealed today.

Health chiefs said the figure was slightly above the regional average but in line with the UK standard.

Statistics showed there were 36 known cases of HIV in the district between 1996/96, one more than the previous year. There had been 20 cases of AIDS of whom 15 people had died.

Public health bosses said there was a pattern of East Lancashire AIDS patients receiving treatment at specialist centres, mainly in London, and returning to their homes at the end of their illnesses. Health chiefs said treatment for HIV had developed rapidly and the number of bed days occupied by patients with the virus doubled between 1994 and 1995.

Dr Stephen Morton, director of public health, said: "Despite increases in the numbers of people who have contracted HIV through other routes, gay men continue to represent around three quarters of those living with HIV infection.

"The importance of ensuring that the prevention message continues to be carried though to this section of the population is crucial."

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