The number of people infected with gonorrhea, as well as other sexually transmitted diseases, is unusually high in Onondaga County. Upstate infectious disease expert Elizabeth Asiago-Reddy, MD, talks about the reasons for this and explains methods to prevent the spread of the various diseases, which can be caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites. Asiago-Reddy tells why vaccination is recommended to protect against HPV, the human papilloma virus, and why people at high risk for contracting HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus, are offered medication to reduce their risk. Among places Central New Yorkers can contact for information about or treatment of STDs are Upstate's Immune Health Services (315-464-5533), the Adolescent/Young Adult Specialized Care Center (315-571-0013) or the Onondaga County STD Center (315-435-3236).