The CDC reports that African Americans make up less than 13 percent of the U.S. population, they account for 49 percent of all new infections. In 2004, about half (50 percent) of the people 1.1 million Americans with HIV or AIDS were African American. The statistics were gathered from states with confidential name-based HIV reporting.
Dr. Sam Mitchell, an epidemiologist from the San Francisco Department of Public Health, said there is no indication for alarm in relation to HIV-patients being at higher risk for complications of LGV. Instead, he said during an interview with hivandhepatitis.com suggests the opposite, making a connection to Clamydia-infected patients and the high risk of contracting HIV due to the ulceration caused by the bacteria.
“The idea is to knock it out quickly. If it circulates widely, it could be quite challenging,” Mitchell said.
Statewide Health Departments are working hard to prevent the spread of LGV. Free, confidential STD screenings are being offered at health department clinics across the five boroughs of New York. As an immediate precaution, health officials are encouraging individuals to practice safer sex, and asking clinical practitioners to be on the look out for any signs of the disease.
In addition, it is recommended that persons limit their number of sex partners, use latex or polyurethane condoms, and wash genitals after sexual contact. If there are any concerns of exposure or infection, it is recommended that there be an avoidance of sexual contact before visiting a local STD clinic, hospital or doctor.
For more info about Lymphogranuloma Venereum, please visit the following:
New York State Department of Health and
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.