World AIDS Days emphasizes importance of STD testing

As Wednesday is World AIDS Day, public health officials in northwest Michigan are urging the public to take advantage of free STD testing services, the Holland Sentinel reports.

According to the news source, incidences of HIV have risen moderately in the Michigan counties it covers over the past five years. Ottawa County’s number of reported HIV/AIDS cases increased from 104 to 109 in two years, and in Allegan County that number rose from 60 to 74 in four years.

Planned Parenthood of West and Northern Michigan believes the true number of HIV cases among Ottawans to be closer to 140, the Sentinel continues.

In observance of the internationally recognized awareness day, the Michigan public health authorities recommend that individuals concerned about their sexual health, and particularly about the human immunodeficiency virus, seek out STD screening. Options include doctors visits, Planned Parenthood appointments and online testing services.

Approximately two of every five people infected with HIV go undiagnosed until it progresses to AIDS, according to Planned Parenthood.