PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL – Alarming numbers like 1 in 4 teen aged girls having a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) emphasize the importance of educating our community on recognizing the signs and symptoms of the diseases and encouraging all to learn more about STDs.

    Health Department Director, Dr. Jean Malecki said, “We have made great progress in reducing the number of reported STDs like Syphilis and Gonorrhea but this resurgence in the teen population is alarming. I am encouraging all to learn more about STD’s.”

    The Palm Beach County Health Department works throughout the year educating teens and adults about STD’s. The Health Department also provides testing, diagnoses and treatment of STDs. In Palm Beach County last year 3,352 cases of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea infections were reported and over 60% of those were among teens. April is STD Awareness Month and the Health Department is planning special awareness efforts.

    STD’s can be bacterial, viral or parasitic and often go unnoticed because the disease does not show any signs or symptoms in the individual. STDs, if undiagnosed, can produce long-term adverse effects including infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease and neurological damage.

    During April a number of locations, in conjunction with the Health Department, are offering education and testing.

• April 4 Compass, 7600 S. Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, 3:30 - 6:00 PM
   
• April 13 Daughter of Zion Jr. Academy, Multicultural Extravaganza,
  250 NW 3rd Ave., Delray Beach 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
   
• April 15 Palm Beach County Bus Compound, Summit Blvd, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
   
• April 19 New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 901 9th Street, West Palm Beach, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
   
• April 22 Palm Beach County Bus Compound, Belle Glade, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
   
• April 26 Dr. McLeod Bethune Elementary School, Medical Society Health Fair
  1501 Ave. U, Riviera Beach 9:00 AM -– 2:00 PM

    For information about STDs or to request educational presentations and testing, visit the Health Department website at www.pbchd.com or call the National STD Hotline at 800-227-8922 or the STD program office at 561-804-7900.

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