Gonorrhea rates up by a quarter |
Melissa Underwood |
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Gonorrhea rates are up in Madison County. According to the Madison County Health Department, reported gonorrhea cases have increased 26 percent. In 1999, 188 cases were reported, compared to 236 cases in 2000. Thirty percent of reported cases were in the 15- to 19-year-old age group. Thirty percent were in the 20- to 24-year-old age group. According to representatives of the Illinois Department of Public Health, there are a number of possible explanations for the increase. The increase can be attributed to better testing, an increase in prostitution, or a change in behaviors and attitudes about sex. Although gonorrhea can be cured with medication, symptoms do not always appear in an infected person. The disease may be unknowlingly spread to others. If untreated, gonorrhea can eventually cause severe damage to reproductive organs and other major body systems. The SIUE Wellness Center offers educational presentations and informational pamphlets on sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea. "We also serve as a resource to students that may be doing a paper, research project or classroom presentation," said Wellness Center coordinator Mary Baya. Sexual Responsibility Week events are in February each year during Wellness Week. The Wellness Center offers individual, couple or group appointments that are strictly confidential. Students are also referred to Health Service and Counseling Services whenever appropriate. Health Service offers STD testing, HIV testing, birth control, condoms, Pap smears and gynecological exams. The Wellness Center also offers HIV testing for students on a monthly basis. Baya is a certified HIV counselor. For more information, send e-mail to wellness@siue.edu or call 650-3873. | |