Covering Your Health: Louisiana near top in US for STDs

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(KADN) — The CDC is out with a concerning new report about sexually transmitted diseases in Louisiana.

Unfortunately, the latest numbers show Louisiana is leading the nation for one STD and is in the top 10 for the others.

But first, what do we mean by an STD?

The report centers on syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. However, there are many other diseases, including herpes, HIV, and papillomavirus.

There is an important distinction. The first three are bacterial and, for the most part, can be cured with antibiotics. The rest are viral and there is some treatment but no cure.

In the US, we are seeing a big increase in the first three, especially syphilis, with an over 500% increase.

An estimated one in five Americans have an STD, so who is at risk? This is highest in adolescents 15 to 24 years old, men who have sex with men, drug abusers who are three times more likely, and other high-risk sexual behavior.

Now, I'll analyze the state rankings. There are probably no surprises here.

Louisiana is No. 9 for syphilis, No. 3 for gonorrhea, and No. 1 for chlamydia. Mississippi is No. 5 for syphilis, No. 1 for gonorrhea, and No. 2 for chlamydia.

CLICK HERE for the full rankings.

However, there is an interesting note. The best state in all three categories is Vermont. So, what does it do differently? Experts cite better health education, better healthcare access, and lower risky behaviors.

The incidence of STDs is up across the United States, but particularly in Louisiana and Mississippi.

And, both the CDC and the Louisiana Department of Health want you to talk about, test, and treat STDs.

CLICK HERE for more from CDC on STDs.