MASON CITY – National HIV Testing Day is June 27th and the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health is strongly encouraging HIV testing for individuals at high risk of contracting the disease.
According to the 2017 County Health Rankings and the National HIV Surveillance System, HIV prevalence in Cerro Gordo County is in the top 25% for Iowa counties*. We also know that people in specific groups have a higher risk than others. Those include Black (African American) or Hispanic (Latino) people, men who have sex with men and people who inject drugs.
HIV is a virus that causes AIDS. HIV weakens several body systems and destroys the body’s immune system, making it easier for life threatening cancers or infections to invade the body.
“HIV can be prevented,” said Sam Smith, Disease Prevention Specialist at the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health. “Condoms, testing, and treatment are the best tools we have against the disease.”
HIV testing at the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health is FREE of charge to anyone age 14 and older.
For more information about HIV testing or to schedule an appointment, contact Sam at 641-421-9309, or visit their website here.
