Connecticut DPH encourages residents to seek STD testing

Members of the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) are encouraging sexually active state residents to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) at some point during STD Awareness Month in April, according to a recent article published by Connecticut Plus Online.

The news provider reported that there has been a "dramatic increase" in the number of syphilis cases reported to the state over the past two years.

"The danger with STDS is that many are ‘silent’ and show no signs or symptoms. Unless you get tested, you may not know you have an STD. STDs that are left untreated can lead to serious complications. People who are sexually active should be tested regularly so that they can get treatment early and avoid serious health problems," DPH Commissioner Jewel Mullen told the news source.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, homosexual men account for more than 60 percent of all reported syphilis cases in the U.S. Symptoms of the infection include small, painless sores on the genitals or skin rashes on the palms of hands or feet.