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Net in poxy scare
When STD doesn't mean Subscriber Trunk Dialling
The Net is being blamed for a potential rise in the number of cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), according to the The Journal of the American Medical Association.
In an article entitled Tracing a Syphilis Outbreak Through Cyberspace the report's authors detail how a recent outbreak of syphilis was linked to the amorous goings-on in a San Francisco chat room.
According to the medical experts, the anonymous nature of the Net made it difficult to track down those people who'd met online (as opposed to a bar, club or at work) before disappearing for a bit of slap 'n tickle.
On the other hand, the Net is a fast and effective way to let other sexually active people know that someone with the pox was on the loose and that people should take more care.
The report said: "This outbreak indicates that the Internet is a technology that may facilitate transmission of syphilis but may also provide targeted awareness and enhance control of STDs."
Which is all very well, but it's a bit of a mouthful. ®
Related Links
Tracing a Syphilis Outbreak Through Cyberspace
Biting the hand that feeds IT
