Harbinger

Officials in Canada have identified 22 cases of a potentially fatal communicable disease seen primarily in tropical/sub-tropical countries. Lymphogranuloma venereum is a chlamydia infection of the inguinal lymph nodes that is spread through sexual contact. The cases in Canada, like a similar outbreak in the Netherlands last Fall, have been reported in men who have engaged in sexual activities with other men. Initial symptoms usually include a small, painless pimple/lesion on the penis or vagina that can easily go unnoticed. Left untreated, the infection can spread to the lymph nodes in the groin and surrounding areas. While some officials in Canada are calling this the "new AIDS" due to the circumstances of the current outbreakbeing similar to initial reports of what was later identified as infection with HIV, it's important to note that chlamydia is a bacteria treatable with antibiotics.

On the heals of the O'Connor retirement and an emboldened fundagelical movement, expect an increase in homophobic hystrionics and an all too real chance certain unpleasant parts of history may well start repeating themselves despite the fact that civilized people know better.

Tag: gay; STD; health care; medicine

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