Additional Treatment, Prevention Needed To Curb Spread of STDs in Minnesota, St. Paul Pioneer Press Editorial Says
Individuals who are sexually active must take precautions to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases in order to reverse an increasing number of STDs in Minnesota, a St. Paul Pioneer Press editorial says (St. Paul Pioneer Press, 5/12). The number of reported STD cases in Minnesota increased 19% from 2001 to 2002, according to statistics released last week by the state Department of Health. The number of reported chlamydia cases increased 21% from 8,323 in 2001 to 10,107 in 2002. In addition, reported gonorrhea cases increased 13%, from 2,701 in 2001 to 3,049 last year. Reported cases of syphilis in all stages increased 10% over the same period, from 134 cases to 148 cases, with reported early-stage syphilis cases increasing 67%, from 49 cases in 2001 to 82 cases in 2002 (Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, 5/7). Regardless of the cause of this increase, "the numbers are far too high because the price is too high," the editorial says. Condoms should be used to prevent STD transmission, and people who are sexually active should know their partner's sexual history, the Pioneer Press says. In addition, routine STD testing is "essential" in helping to curb the rising number of cases, the edtiorial states, concluding, "Treatment stops these diseases, but the better solution is prevention" (St Paul Pioneer Press, 5/12).
This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.