According to the Centers for Disease Control, 19 million new sexually transmitted infections occur every year in the United States.  The health consequences of STDs can be staggering.  Also, the economic impact is substantial, with an estimated cost of $15.9 billion annually to the U.S. health care system.

"Despite the availability of simple tests and effective treatments, almost 1.5 million cases of Chlamydia and gonorrhea were reported in 2007," said Dr. John M. Douglas, Jr., Director, Division of Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention, NCHHSTP, CDC.  "In addition, cases of syphilis - a treatable disease that had been on the verge of elimination in the late 1990's - are increasing, especially for youth, women, men who have sex with men and racial and ethnic minorities."

Ingham County Health Department Data from 2007 indicates the following:

 Chlamydia cases almost doubled from an average of 912.8 a year between 1997 - 2001 to 1,800 in 2007

• Gonorrhea cases increased from an average of 490 a year from 1997 - 2001 to 567 in 2007
•  15 - 19 year olds and 20 - 24 year olds accounted for 1,377 or 76% of Chlamydia cases and 384 or 67% of  Gonorrhea cases
• Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Herpes, Human Papillona Virus (Warts), Syphilis, and HIV/AIDS exist right here in Ingham County
• 821 youth a year contract STDs by the age of 19

More Facts:

• African-Americans represent 12% of the U.S. population, but 70% of Gonorrhea cases and almost half of all the Chlamydia and Syphilis cases in 2007
• 3 out of 4 people infected with Chlamydia or Gonorrhea may not have symptoms
• Male frequently don't have symptoms, i.e. abnormal discharge, burning or urination
• Both rates and consequences of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are far more severe for women than men

"STD Awareness Month is an opportune time to remind health care providers to take a sexual history of their patients, and follow-up with appropriate counseling, vaccination, testing, and treatments," said Teen WAIT Program Coordinator Ramon Bryant.  "The most reliable way to avoid STDs is to abstain from sex until marriage.  Abstinence is 100% effective in safeguarding against STDs and unwanted pregnancies, which is why our Teen WAIT Program is so critical for the area's youth," Bryant said.

For more information about STDs or the Teen Wait Program, visit www.cdc.gov/std or www.michigan.gov/abstinence or www.hpclearinghouse.org or call Teen WAIT at (517) 394-6846.

"...supported in part by the Abstinence Education Grant program from the Michigan Department of Counnunity Health, Michigan Abstinence Program and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families."