Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Over 62,000 New STD Cases Estimated in Travis County

flickr.com/robertelyov

Austin-Travis County Health and Human Services says sexually transmitted diseases are costing Travis County residents lots of money.

The department says more than 62,000 new cases of STDs were diagnosed in Travis County in 2011 alone. That’s estimated to cost over $83 million in lifetime medical costs.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) was the most diagnosed STD in the county in 2011, the last year Health & Human Services has a full data estimate for. Over 47,000 new cases were diagnosed.

The department says the important message is get screened. “We certainly hope that people who are sexually active – particularly young people – will get screening and prompt treatment if they’re infected,” says Austin-Travis County medical director Dr. Philip Huang. “That also helps prevent further transmission to other people.”

The City of Austin offers low-cost STD screening and treatment at its clinic at the RBJ Health Center, 15 Waller Street.

Laura first joined the KUT team in April 2012. She now works for the statewide program Texas Standard as a reporter and producer. Laura came to KUT from the world of television news. She has worn many different hats as an anchor, reporter and producer at TV stations in Austin, Amarillo and Toledo, OH. Laura is a proud graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, a triathlete and enjoys travel, film and a good beer. She enjoys spending time with her husband and pets.
Related Content