Gov’t urges residents to ‘wrap it up’ as STI cases increase
The Ministry of Health and Social Development has reported an increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) across the Virgin Islands and is encouraging residents to practice safe sex, particularly as Valentine’s Day approaches.
Public Health Officer Renee Leonard highlighted the ministry’s efforts to inform the public about the uptick in STI cases and the importance of protection.
“With the rise in STI cases, the ministry is educating the public about what is happening and how they can be protected,” Leonard explained.
Recognising Valentine’s Day as a significant occasion, the ministry is leveraging the opportunity to promote its “Wrap It Up” message. “The week-long initiative is designed to share information, heighten STI awareness, promote testing, and illustrate to the community their responsibility to love safely,” Leonard stated.
In collaboration with local medical facilities, the ministry is offering special deals for individuals interested in knowing their sexual health status. “We want to thank our partners for coming on board with this very important initiative because knowing one’s sexual health status is key in reducing the spread of STIs throughout the territory,” Leonard noted.
She further advised, “We encourage everyone to pay attention to the information, heed the advice, and take ownership over your sexual health. Be faithful to one faithful partner, use barrier contraceptives, know your status, and enjoy your ‘day of love’ responsibly.”
As part of the campaign, the February edition of the Ministry of Health’s newsletter will provide vital information about STIs. Additional resources, including brochures, flyers, radio advertisements, and a Government Information Services radio report, will be disseminated throughout the week.
Earlier reports from the Ministry of Health indicated a steady rise in HIV and other STIs over the past five years, with more than 262 cases reported across all ages and demographics. Chief Nursing Officer Jascinth Hannibal noted that not all cases are reported, suggesting the actual number may be higher.
“In some cases, especially in the case of HIV, it is only detected at the point of illness when the person has symptoms of AIDS,” Hannibal shared. “This is life-threatening and harder to treat at this point. Sadly, this can lead to untimely death in a disease such as HIV where early identification and treatment can allow persons to live longer.”
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GOOOT DAMN you can’t trust new partners. I don’t care how boring it get let me stay with who i know. Cause those STI and HIV be in the back of the pums.
WHO PLAYING MACHO WITH THEM HORZ FROM SANTO ALREADY GOT IT AND SPREADING IT ,
@EL. Stick to who you know you say?
As someone in the know, it’s important the public gets accurate information. So let me correct a few things here:
“In some cases, especially in the case of HIV, it is only detected at the point of illness when the person has symptoms of AIDS,” Hannibal shared.
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Incorrect: HIV can be detected at any point during infection. One does not have to become ill in order to test positive. There are many people with asymptomatic HIV infections.
Asymptomatic infections can be viewed in 2 groups:
1. Infected individuals who are unaware of their status. That will remain so until illness become apparent with secondary infections typically when their CD4 cell count (the subgroup of white blood cells infected with HIV drops below 200). In some people opportunistic infections begin to show earlier when their CD4 count drops around 500.
2. Infected individuals who are on HIV medication and compliant with taking their medication are also considered asymptomatic. That is without symptoms.
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“This is life-threatening and harder to treat at this point. Sadly, this can lead to untimely death in a disease such as HIV where early identification and treatment can allow persons to live longer.”
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While HIV infection can be life threatening, no one has to necessarily die of HIV today if they first know their status, get on their medication, and remain compliant in taking those medication.
If a person develops secondary infections due to being severely immunocompromised, while a more complex clinical picture, they too can be treated to a healthy state if they get the right treatment in a timely manner.
Bottom Line: Use barrier protection particular if dealing with persons unknown.
Now, If you’re HIV negative and your sexual partner is living with HIV, you might want to consider PrEP in certain circumstances.
Prep is HIV medication that the HIV negative person takes days before, during, and days after a planned encounter with a HIV positive person.
If your partner has been diagnosed with HIV, has been taking HIV medication for at least 6 months, and their viral load is undetectable, there is no risk of HIV transmission through sex.
As someone in the know, I consider the above sound advise; however, it is advisable that anyone reading consult their personal doctor for further guidance if in doubt about anything as circumstances may vary.
Innocent partners can contracy HIV ot other STD
Stop
Blaming nationalism
Protect yourself. Be selfish when it comes to your health If your partner is a cheater… Do not have sex if he / she does not protoct you
One has to use wisdom