Robert Sumpter | US CDC

Robert Sumpter | US CDC

In this archival photo, a skin rash caused by syphilis broke out on the patient's neck and back.

AUGUSTA, Maine – The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention calls residents to be tested for sexually transmitted infections in a context of gonorrhea and syphilis peaks in the state.

Tuesday is the last day of the month of sexually transmitted disease awareness, and the state's CDC claims to recommend prevention, screening, and treatment.

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The agency says Maine has experienced a "dramatic increase" in gonorrhea and syphilis over the last five years.

Gonorrhea cases increased by almost 200% to 686 between 2014 and 2018. Syphilis cases increased by nearly 600% to 104 during the same period. Maine CDC Acting Director Nancy Beardsley said the health implications of sexually transmitted infections are serious enough for residents to "know the facts about STDs and get tested if they think they are in the dark." danger".