"Alabama's Alarming STD Epidemic: Ranking Among Highest Rates in the US"
The US is facing an "out of control" STD epidemic, with cases of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia increasing nationwide. A data breakdown by US News & World Report reveals the 10 states with the highest STD rates, with seven of them located in the South. Mississippi has the highest overall infection rate, followed by Louisiana and Alaska. Young people and gay men are particularly vulnerable, accounting for a significant portion of reported cases. The CDC warns that location and other factors can increase exposure to STDs.