A recent increase in sexually transmitted infections has sparked concern in the Adams County community, as education seems to fail and more people become infected. However, this isn’t at fault of those working to prevent and educate. The issue falls within the community, but how can professionals get people to listen?

Adams County Health Department utilizes sex education by handing out free condoms, lube, and providing income-based testing for STIs. They provide testing for those who may think they have contracted an STI, or would simply like to have preventative testing before engaging with new or current sexual partners.

STIs are sexually transmitted infections, which are spread by multiple forms of sex, that are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. These forms of STIs are infectious to every human being, meaning they do not discriminate in who is the next victim.

Adams County has seen an increase in STIs such as syphilis and chlamydia, but what is the reason for the increase? The simple answer is unprotected sex. This happens for a multitude of reasons that is beyond the control of health professionals, and those health professionals may never see the end of this issue.

Numbers show that STIs affect all ages and genders, which are only on the uprise if proper precautions are not taken. An example of how quickly STIs can spread is in 2025, syphilis was at its highest rate of 19 cases. In 2022, the number was zero meaning over the years it has seen an alarming sudden increase. All of which is a response of not being safe in sexual encounters.

“Stigma is a big thing around here. Quincy is fairly big, but still feels very much like a small town. So I think people think it doesn’t exist, or it won’t affect them. But it absolutely will, no matter the age, younger or older,” Katie McConnell, emergency response coordinator, said.

Many STIs have long term effects that may include unwanted changes to an individuals life, that they did not choose for themselves.

The director of nursing at ACHD says every time someone gets an STI, it puts a little more scar tissue on their reproductive tract.

“Then you end up in your 30s, for example, unable to have children, or just having a rough time with it because of the damage that STIs bring along,” Emily Hendrickson, director of nursing, said.

“People come in with enough education to know something is wrong or fear something. But we are nowhere near where we need to be education wise. It won’t stop people from doing what they have been doing another time,” Janae McKenzie, family nurse practitioner, said.

Unfortunately, STI numbers will not go down unless individuals take the proper precautions before engaging with a new sexual partner. Emphasize the use of a condom with new, existing, or even previous sexual partners. Engage with routine testing for yourself and your partner, and do not be afraid to get tested after engaging in unprotected sex.