Sexually Transmitted Diseases

teen-exam_Sexually Transmitted Diseases_WCHUSexually transmitted diseases (STD) are infections that can be transferred from one person to another through sexual contact. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are more than 15 million STD cases reported in the United States each year.

Teenagers and young adults age 15-24 are at greatest risk for acquiring an STD. Each year 3 million become infected.

Most STDs are treatable, but herpes, AIDS and genital warts have no cure. Some of these infections can be deadly. Syphilis, AIDS, genital warts, herpes, hepatitis, and even gonorrhea have all been known to cause death. Therefore, education about these diseases and prevention is important.

The Webster County Health Unit offers free, confidential STD screening, HIV testing, counseling, treatment and education. Call (417) 859-2532 for more information (no appointment needed).

Learn more about sexually transmitted diseases.