About the STD and HIV Section

The mission of the STD and HIV Section is to prevent death and disability from HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, particularly among populations with a disproportionate burden of disease.

The section will provide statewide leadership and support community leadership to prevent initial and subsequent transmission and decrease disease prevalence.

This mission is addressed through a statewide comprehensive approach which includes the public health strategies of targeted behavioral interventions, surveillance and monitoring and early detection, treatment and referral.

• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
  Sexually transmitted diseases or STDs, also referred to as sexually transmitted infections or STIs, do not refer to any one disease but include more than 25 infectious organisms that are transmitted through sexual activity and the dozens of clinical syndromes that they cause.
  
  
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) / Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
  HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV can spread from person to person during anal, vaginal, or less commonly, during oral sex. HIV can also be spread while sharing needles or reusing equipment to inject drugs, tattoo or body pierce. HIV can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.

Content Notice: This site contains HIV or STD prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Since HIV and other STDs are spread primarily through sexual practices or by sharing needles, prevention messages and programs may address these topics. If you are not seeking such information or may be offended by such materials, please exit this web site.

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If you have questions or comments about this page, use our IDEPC Comment Form or call 651-201-5414 (TTY: 651-201-5797) for the MDH Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division.