Health officials on the Navajo Nation have declared an outbreak of AIDS and syphilis on the reservation.

The tribe has seen a rise in AIDS and syphilis cases in recent years. Last year, there were twice as many HIV infections as the two years prior. The syphilis rate has nearly tripled.

Health officials say the actual numbers may be higher. Nationwide, American Indians and Alaska Natives suffer high rates of sexually transmitted diseases.

Get the Story:
AIDS, syphilis outbreak on rez (The Gallup Independent 4/6)

Relevant Links:
National Native American AIDS Prevention Center - http://www.nnaapc.org
AIDS FAQ, Centers for Disease Control - http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pubs/faqs.htm
AIDS Programs, Indian Health Service - http://www.ihs.gov/medicalprograms/aids
Minority risk to AIDS, Centers for Disease Control - http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/graphics/minority.htm

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