Increase in STDs Causes Concern

"You would think that by now everyone in South Florida would have gotten the message from public health experts: Promiscuous, unprotected sex can spread serious, potentially fatal diseases. But you'd be wrong. Far too many local residents, it seems, are engaging in risky sexual behavior, and paying the price. . . . The numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are shocking.

"Particularly troubling is news that the number of syphilis cases in [Broward and Palm Beach] counties has more than tripled, from 28 in 1998 to 90 in 2000. The disease is declining nationwide, down 14 percent, and is nearing eradication in many areas. Cases of gonorrhea rose 43 percent in the two counties, from 2,188 cases in 1998 to 3,130 in 2000. And cases of chlamydia rose 52 percent in the two counties, from 3,256 to 4,949. The increase was particularly large in Broward, going from 1,835 to 3,286 cases (79 percent). The latter two bacterial infections are mainly affecting local women, but men are also at risk."

"Health officials say many young people, gay and straight, of all races and skin colors, are suffering from 'burnout.' They are fed up with a steady barrage of messages pressuring them to abstain from sex entirely, use condoms or otherwise restrict their sexual activity. They believe drugs can 'cure' any disease, that it's only a 'gay' problem or a minority problem or that 'it won't happen to me.' The numbers from the CDC tell a different and deadlier story. Increased public education about STDs and more aggressive health screening efforts can help. But in the end, it's a matter of individual freedom of choice. Choose health. Choose life."

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