Mississippi health officials report that a growing number of teens under the age of 18 are becoming infected with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, according to The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson, MS) (clarionledger.com, 4/28).

The state’s health department is now working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to offer teenagers public health screenings for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea; treatment of bacterial STDs; and referrals to local AIDS service organizations for those who test positive.

According to The Clarion-Ledger, Mississippi’s prevention initiatives have helped lower the state’s overall HIV infection rate over the past decade.