Here is one statistic Minnesota Residents would not be proud of, STD's are on the rise across the state. According to the Minnesota Department of Health's Annual Report:

  • Chlamydia was the most frequently reported STD, increasing by 2 percent to 23,564 cases. The most affected age group was 15 to 24.
  • 7,542 cases of gonorrhea were reported, a 16 percent annual increase. 42 percent of cases occurred among those ages 15 to 24.
  • Syphilis decreased by 2 percent to 918 cases and most commonly affected males.
  • Males accounted for 76 percent of HIV cases and male-to-male sex remained the main risk factor; 59 percent of new cases were reported among communities of color.

Department of Health section manager Christine Jones said. “Untreated STDs, HIV, or hepatitis C can cause serious health problems. Many of these infections have no immediate symptoms. The only way to know for sure is to get tested.” The Minnesota Department of Health encourages people to practice safe sex practices by using a condom, also do not share needles for drug use or tattoo and piercing purposes.

Again it is 2019, these diseases should not be so prevalent anymore. Kids are taught about this in school and we are inundated with information about this all the time on television and on the web. Two of these diseases are on the rise with kids as young as 15 years old! Parents don't be afraid to talk to your kids about risky behavior, it could save them from a lifetime of suffering. Also, people need to start taking responsibility for their own health status so they do not inadvertently infect someone else as well.

For more information on this study CLICK HERE

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