Florida county experiences rise in syphilis rates

 

Individuals who live in Hillsborough County, Florida may want to get themselves to an STD testing center in Tampa if they have been practicing unprotected sex. According to the Tampa Bay Times, sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates are up in the area, particularly among young men. The news source states that there have been 126 cases of syphilis reported in the county so far this year, which is a 65 percent increase from the same time last year.

Florida health officials are calling for doctors in the area to talk to their patients about the dangers of STDs and the importance of safer sex. Furthermore, doctors should ask patients if they are aware of their sexual partners' STD status.

"The best way to prevent syphilis is not to have sex with an infected partner," said health department director Douglas Holt, quoted by the news source.

The Florida Department of Health launched a website, FaceItFlorida.com which aims to educate young people about STDs through interactive videos. The website also helps health officials learn which age groups are interested in learning more about STDs by asking users for basic information about their age. The STD information website then provides visitors with information regarding STD treatment and prevention.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, individuals between the ages of 15 and 24 represent only 25 percent of the sexually active population in America, yet account for nearly half of all new STD infections each year. This is why it's important to have STD awareness campaigns that appeal to young people, something that may be easier to accomplish through the internet. FaceItFlorida.com aims to connect to younger Floridians and encourage them to practice safer sex and visit STD testing centers if they think they could have an infection.