Sexually transmitted disease “out of control” in US

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – The infection rate of sexually transmitted diseases in America is currently “out of control” according to medical experts, the Associated Press reports. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has called for new prevention and treatment programs to address the steep rise in cases of infections, including syphilis, gonorrhea, HIV, and Monkeypox.

STD medical officials reported a 26% rise in new syphilis infections last year, the highest rate of infection since 1991 and the highest number of cases since 1948. AP said. By 2020 cases had reached nearly 41,700 and shot up to 52,000 cases last year.

Officials said HIV cases are also on the rise, with infection rates increasing by 16% last year, AP reports. Moreover, the outbreak of monkeypox being spread primarily by men who have sex with men has added to the crisis. David Harvey, executive director of the National Coalition of STD Directors, said the situation is “out of control,” AP reports.

“It’s pretty simple. More sexually transmitted infections occur when people are having more unprotected sex,” said Dr. Mike Saag, an infectious disease expert at the University of Alabama at Birmingham said in a statement. Saag also suggested the end of lockdown may account for the surge in cases as people are feeling “liberated.”

Addressing a medical conference Monday, Dr. Leandro Mena of the CDC said, “It is imperative that we … work to rebuild, innovate, and expand (STD) prevention in the US.” Officials are working to obtain increased funding for early diagnosis and treatment and to encourage the use of condoms.

Latest Worthy News