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Report shows high rates of HIV and STDs in Long Beach
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Report shows high rates of HIV and STDs in Long Beach
The City of Long Beach has some of the highest rates of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases in the state -- including in an increase in new HIV cases at a rate twice that of the state rate.
A report released by the city also shows sharp increases in reported cases of STDs. Between 2013 and 2017, the rate of reported cases of gonorrhea increased by 267%. The syphilis rate increased by 143%, and and the chlamydia rate rose 88%.
Mayor Robert Garcia said gay men were particularly vulnerable to HIV. Of the more than 4,000 Long Beach residents living with HIV, 80% are gay men. The report also showed that black men are disproportionately affected by both HIV and STDs.
The report attributed the high rates to a number of factors, including stigma in discussing sexual health and the increasing popularity of dating apps.
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