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Public health departments encourage STD testing

Category: HIV

In an effort to curb rising STD rates, public health officials across the country are encouraging people get an STD test, as experts say this can be one of the most effective ways to prevent diseases from spreading.

The public health department of El Paso, Texas has recently stepped up its STD education efforts in light of a growing number of infections. Local Fox affiliate, KFOX recently reported that the number of HIV infections reported to the city has tripled compared to this time one year ago, and cases of syphilis are also on the rise.

In light of these figures, the city's Health Department has launched a campaign to spread awareness and encourage STD testing.

"We are going out into the community. We're doing health fairs, bar zaps at different bars. We're making our presence known and providing that extra intervention that we're just not getting anymore,” David Peralta-Torres, a prevention specialist with the Health Department told the news source.

Public health organizations throughout Missouri, Maryland and other states have struggled with similar increases in STD cases, and have started programs to encourage testing.