A new report from the CDC finds Louisiana once again ranking near the top of lists that no one wants to reign over.
The analysis of the prevalence of sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) shows the Pelican State ranking first in the U.S. in chlamydia cases and third for gonorrhea.
“There are no shortcuts, and we have to meet people where they are. Some people face tremendous barriers to STI prevention and health services. So, the most important work is often outside the clinic, whether it be reaching out to communities with testing, interviewing patients to offer services to their partners, or delivering treatment directly to someone,” acting director of CDC’s Division of STD Prevention Laura Bachmann said, according to BRProud.
Louisiana also ranked 9th in primary and secondary syphilis cases and 7th in congenital syphilis cases.
Interim State Health Officer Pete Croughan reported that congenital syphilis cases have tripled in recent years and that 80% of these cases were preventable. Croughan issued his findings while speaking at a House Committee on Health and Welfare meeting on February 27.
You can get free information about HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases by calling 1-800-99-AIDS-9, according to the LDH website.