Whites Less Likely Hit By STD's Than Blacks & Hispanics

DRUG TEST

The infection rate for sexually transmitted diseases among African Americans and Hispanics, particularly young people, continues to be greater than that of whites, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's annual report.
Overall, sexually transmitted diseases continue to plague the population, with 19 million new infections occurring every year -- costing the U.S. health care system $17 billion annually, according to a report released today that tracks the three reportable diseases chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.
"Unfortunately, we are seeing a disproportionate burden of the STDs among African Americans and Hispanics and young people," Dr. Kevin Fenton, director of the CDC's National Center for HIV/AIDs, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, told The Root in a telephone interview. "These trends reflect the harsh realities of socioeconomic disadvantages that are taking place as a result of the economic downturn. The people contracting the diseases likely do not have access to health care. Other factors include employment. All of these things need to be addressed through education in the community.”

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