Gonorrhea disproportionately affects western areas of South Dakota

Four times as many cases of gonorrhea are reported in western South Dakota counties than in the eastern parts of the state, according to a recent article published in the Rapid City Journal.

According to the news source, reservation communities are prevalent in the westernmost sectors, which many account for the disparity in gonorrhea infections.

Jennifer Irving, director of the Northern Plains Tribal Epidemiology Center, told reporters that many individuals who live on the reservations do not have access to adequate health care. She also noted that young residents do not receive sexual education or information about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) because the government does not financially support programs in these areas.

Gonorrhea is the second most common STD among Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The national prevalence of the disease has decreased in recent years, with less than 302,000 cases reported in 2009.

The organization noted that women between the ages of 15 and 24 account for most gonorrhea infections, which may cause pelvic inflammatory disease if left untreated.

Anyone who would like to learn their STD status may consider using online testing services.