28-05-2025
Hampton Roads STI problem expected to worsen in summer season
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — As the summer season rolls in, there is the chance of an increasing spread of in Hampton Roads.
Why is the risk higher this time of year?
Dr. Annie Williams with the Norfolk Health Department describes STI's as a 'social entity.'The warmer months present the opportunity for more social gatherings, whether meeting someone during a trip to the beach, music festival or a more intimate occasion.
'The transmission has increased because people are not aware of their status,' she said. 'The one thing I think the public doesn't understand is that the majority of STIs have no symptoms. So it's not as if you would know. So the nicest, most pleasant person that you might meet during spring break or at the beach or wherever you socialize, may be carrying one of the germs that causes an STI.'
She said there's a distinct pattern in terms of, gender and age in the southeast region. In terms of which age group is experiencing the spread more than others, doctors are seeing a bimodal distribution.
In our region, according to Williams, what's most commonly being transmitted is syphilis and HIV. There data shows syphilis is highest in older women as a result of not getting routine health care as frequently. There is also an elevated rate in men ages 18 to 26. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are being seen in younger age groups, also.
'In the Eastern Region, which encompasses all of Hampton Roads, we are very high,' she said. 'In fact, we are probably higher than any other region in the state, sometimes comparable to Northern Virginia, but, extremely high rates here in Hampton Roads, which is why we offer free testing in the afternoons and we go out into the communities.'
Williams recommends getting tested for sexually transmitted infections in 90-day testing is offered at the Norfolk Health Department.
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