Private MD News

Group identifies celebrities with STDs to raise awareness

Category: Sexually Transmitted Diseases

All sexually active individuals should be concerned about sexually transmitted diseases and take steps to reduce their risk. A recent report made this point by identifying 100 celebrities who have received positive STD tests at some time.

The point of the report, compiled by STD Carriers Disease Control and Prevention Services, was to show people that fame and money do not influence a person's chances of contracting an infection. If a person fails to practice safe sex, they are likely to experience sexual health problems.

The report included information on 29 musicians, 14 adult film actors, 13 athletes, 10 authors, nine actresses, eight actors, six journalists, six politicians, three activists and two reality TV stars. Most of the individuals identified had tested positive for HIV or AIDS. Others had hepatitis C, herpes simplex virus 2, human papillomavirus or genital warts.

By showing people that even those in high places can be affected by STDs, the group hopes to help more people understand the importance of STD testing and of practicing safer sex. These are recognized as being among the best ways to slow the spread of infections.