Health officials concerned over increase in number of STD cases
By JOE L. HUGHES II Ledger Staff Writer joe@gaffneyledger.com

ADVERTISEMENTS PROMOTING THE PRACTICE OF SAFE SEX OR ABSTINENCE APPEAR ON A REGULAR BASIS, BUT ARE HAVING LITTLE EFFECT ON THE RISING TREND OF STDS.

The thought of an upcoming test can send a chill down the spine of students in school, with the amount of time put in to studying the material often deciding whether they pass or fail.

Though a No. 2 pencil and a bubble sheet are not needed, tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STD) can be a larger burden - especially when a life hangs in the balance.

Spread through a number of activities such as unprotected sex as well as the sharing of needles, putting an end to the epidemic has become one of the top issues across the globe.

"Most people feel they will never get the disease so they never get tested," Upstate Carolina Medical Center Registered Nurse Cindy Richards said. "It comes as a shock when we deliver some of them the news."

A 2006 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 19 million new infections occur in the United States each year, with nearly half of them involving persons between the ages of 15 and 24.

South Carolina ranks near the top of the list on states with new reported cases, primarily due to the high volume of chlamydia and gonorrhea infections.

Cherokee County is in the bottom half statewide in reported cases of AIDS and herpes cases. Health officials are particularly concerned about the volume of gonorrhea infections here. Cherokee County ranks seventh among the state's 46 counties.

"It is probably the one we see the most," Dr. Dan Karns of Upstate Carolina Medical Center said. "We may occasionally see someone with a herpes, trichomonas or HIV, but gonorrhea is one we see a lot."

Richards and Karns see close to 20 patients per month at the hospital who undergo tests for gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomonas. Many more make their way to the Cherokee County Health Department, which tests and treats all STDs.

"A lot of people come in complaining of an assortment of problems ranging from headaches to back pain," Richards said. "When in fact a STD is at the root of all their problems."

After informing the patient of their ailment, they are made aware of the symptoms and given pamphlets that contain a list of other STDs and ways to prevent them - including the distribution of condoms.

"When practicing unprotected sex, you are placing your life in someone else's hands," Dr. Karns said

"Many are not happy with having to pay for a condom that is behind a counter or in a vending machine," Richards said. "We take every opportunity to educate, hoping they will listen and learn.

"It is not our job to judge them, but to give support."

The presence of AIDS and HIV in the state continues to be a concern, with South Carolina ranking ninth nationally. According to DHEC and the CDC, there were 668 new cases and close to 16 people diagnosed per 100,000 residents in its most recent study in 2005. Statistics also show three of the state's largest cities - Columbia, Charleston and Greenville - are among the top 50 metropolitan areas across the country in new AIDS/HIV cases.

There were no new reported cases for Cherokee County in DHEC's latest study. There is no known cure for AIDS.

Richards said there are people out there who have some form of STD and don't even know it, presenting a danger to the community.

"I'm surprised more people are not scared of catching these diseases," Richards said. "STDs are definitely here in this county having no preference of age, gender or race.

"That is why there is no need to wait. If you have had unprotected sex or feel the need to take a test, please do it ... if not you are exposing yourself to what your partner does or does not have."

THE CENTERS for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 19 million new STD infections occur in the United States each year, with nearly half of them involving persons between the ages of 15 and 24.

HEALTH OFFICIALS are particularly concerned about the volume of gonorrhea infections here. Cherokee County ranks seventh among the state's 46 counties.

THE PRESENCE of AIDS and HIV in the state continues to be a concern, with South Carolina ranking ninth nationally. According to DHEC and the CDC, there were 668 new cases and close to 16 people diagnosed per 100,000 residents in its most recent study in 2005.

THREE OF the state's largest cities - Columbia, Charleston and Greenville - are among the top 50 metropolitan areas across the country in new AIDS/HIV cases.