STDs ON THE RISE NATIONWIDE

 

The Washington Times (1/9, Wetzstein) reports that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance 2012 report (pdf) released yesterday shows that gonorrhea rates increased in 2012 and syphilis rose 11%, while chlamydia remained relatively flat, although a record 1.4 million cases existed. The report states, “This is the largest number of cases ever reported to the CDC for any condition,” with the National Coalition of STD Directors adding that “rising STD rates have a major negative impact on our ability to address the HIV epidemic.” Public health officials are encouraging sexually active individuals to undergo annual STD screenings, with men who have sex with men (MSM) screened at shorter intervals if partners are not monogamous or use illicit drugs.