WiRED International Releases Sexually Transmitted Illnesses Module — Part 2
BY ALLISON KOZICHAROW AND BERNICE BORN
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exually transmitted illnesses (STIs) are on the rise for the first time since 2006. Each year an estimated 357 million new infections occur. The good news is that all STIs are preventable.
More than 30 different types of bacteria, viruses and parasites cause STIs. Many STIs can be present in and spread by people who have no symptoms. Therefore, public awareness and education about these infections and the methods of preventing them are key to easing the STI global burden.
WiRED International just completed its series on STIs for general audiences with the launch of its Sexually Transmitted Illnesses, Part 2 module. (WiRED’s Sexually Transmitted Illnesses, Part 1 module was featured in an earlier story this year.)
STIs, Part 2 contains separate sections about gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, chancroid and parasitic infections. Each section covers prevention, transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and complications of these conditions. The module also offers information on related topics, such as the growing resistance of STIs to currently used antibiotics.
Resources
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has designated April as STIs awareness month to urge people to take three simple actions: Talk. Test. Treat. WiRED suggests adding: Teach. In fact, teaching people about STIs should be the first step.
WiRED believes that providing free health education on STIs and other topics gives communities and health professionals the training tools and knowledge necessary to address the prevention and treatment of both infectious and non-communicable diseases in developing areas of the world.
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