Sexually transmitted infections and HIV on the rise in Alberta: report – Edmonton Journal
Experts urge oilpatch companies to promote safe-sex practices among workers
EDMONTON – As sexually transmitted infections and HIV continue to rise across the province, experts say employers in Alberta’s oilpatch need to be more proactive about encouraging safe-sex practices among their workers.
Alberta Health’s 2013 annual report on notifiable sexually transmitted infections, released late last week, shows HIV rates have increased for the third year in a row. With the exception of syphilis, overall infection rates were highest in Edmonton and northern Alberta.
The report notes immigrants, foreign workers and refugees from countries where HIV is prevalent can impact rates across the province. Dr. James Talbot, chief medical officer of health, said officials need to more closely study the rates of HIV infection in northern Alberta, which features a large population of men and transient workers.
