Nearly half of all new sexually-transmitted diseases occur among young people ages 15-24.
In 2017, Mississippi ranked #1 in the nation for new cases of gonorrhea, with women and African-Americans especially affected. We also ranked #9 nationally in new syphilis cases.
If untreated, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis can lead to infertility or organ damage. They also increase your risk of becoming infected with HIV. Testing is essential to detect these diseases early, begin treatment, and avoid transmission.
What can you do about it?
- Get your partner and yourself tested. Testing is the only way to know for sure that you're safe.
- Practice safe sexual habits: limit your sexual partners, make sure they are tested, and never have unprotected sex.
- Spread the word. Tell your friends about the STD problem in Mississippi, and about free testing. Change begins with action.
- If you're a health care provider, talk to your patients about the risks and what they can do about it. The CDC has tools and resources to help.
Testing is free and confidential at any county health department in Mississippi — every day of the year. Visit a county health department near you, or check with your doctor or health care provider to arrange testing.