The American population is being silently terrorized by gangs of the most undesirable sexually transmitted diseases ever known. This criminal element assaults millions of unsuspecting victims each year with painful, damaging and sometimes deadly force. Most victims are unknowing accomplices to their own demise and the infection of others. If you or someone you know has engaged in sex outside of a mutually monogamous domestic lifetime partnership (a.k.a. marriage), it’s possible that you or the person you know may have already been assaulted and become unsuspecting accomplices to these assailants.
The criminals at large are part of two powerful mob families—La Familia Bacterial and La Familia Viral—as well as a host of lesser gangs and cell groups that silently commit violent offenses against citizens, often targeting the younger population. You could be a victim of … America’s Most Unwanted.
The Accused: Phyllis, a.k.a. Syphilis. A popular member of the Bacterial Family, she has often been called “the great imitator” since evidence left at the scene of the crime is often indistinguishable from that of other diseases. (Other known aliases: “the clap.”)
Victims: Anyone engaged in any kind of sexual activity is fair game to Phyllis. Her victims are primarily 20 to 39 years of age, and men are preferred: one-and-a-half times more men than women fall prey. Newborns also become her victim, as a mother can pass Phyllis along to her fetus during pregnancy, increasing the risk of a stillbirth or a baby that dies soon after delivery. Untreated babies may become developmentally delayed, have seizures or die. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) estimates that Phyllis assaults 70,000 new victims annually. Because her crime goes undetected, officials reported only 35,600 cases in 1999. Without knowing it, nearly 35,000 of her victims became accomplices in expanding her crime network across America.
Crime Scene: Genitals and genital area, mouth, anus.
Modus Operandi: Genital contact, oral sex and anal sex. Phyllis carries out her operations through skin-to-skin contact with open sores. She has been known to evade condom security when lesions or warts remain exposed.
Evidence: Often spotted as a single painless sore called a chancre (pronounced “SHANK-er”) between 10 and 90 days after contact. On average, the sore will appear within 21 days. Although Phyllis’s sores sometimes disappear without treatment, other evidence of her crime may appear several weeks to six months after her initial assault. Other evidence includes a rash, genital lesions, sores on the mouth, throat or cervix, patchy loss of hair, general sense of ill health (making symptoms indistinguishable from other diseases). When the evidence goes undetected or unreported, the victim can become one of Phyllis’s many unsuspecting accomplices, spreading the disease if he or she continues to engage in sexual activity. Genital sores (chancres) caused by syphilis make it easier to transmit and acquire Notorious HIV.
The Crime: The offense and consequences of undetected Phyllis can remain in the body of her victims and progress in stages that can damage internal organs—including the brain, heart, nerves (can lead to paralysis), eyes (can lead to blindness), blood vessels, liver, bones and joints—and can eventually lead to death (preceded by dementia).
Investigation: Blood test administered by a crime scene investigator (physician)
Apprehension: Since she is part of the Bacterial Family, Phyllis can be fully apprehended (cured). However, victims should seek immediate medical treatment when evidence has been found. There are no home remedies or over-the-counter drugs that will cure syphilis. Victims may be treated by injection with penicillin or other antibiotics to kill the bacteria and prevent further damage, but it will not repair damage already done.
Prevention: See Self-Defense Manual.
American Social Health Association. “Syphilis Fast Facts.” http://www.ashastd.org/learn/learn_syphilis_facts.cfm.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Syphilis.” http://www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/default.htm.
Cox, M., ed., Questions Kids Ask About Sex. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 2005. National Coalition of STD Directors. “Quick Facts: Syphilis.” http://www.ncsddc.org/syphilis.htm.
Swartz, M. N., B. P. Healey and D. M. Musher. “Late Syphilis,” cited in Holmes, et al., eds. Sexually Transmitted Diseases. New York: McGraw Hill, 1999, pp. 487-509.
The Accused: Notorious HIV, a.k.a. HIV/AIDS. Perhaps the most famous member of the Viral Family, human immunodeficiency virus invades the immune system of the body and destroys it over time, reducing a person’s ability to fight off infections and diseases. When this happens, HIV introduces his partner in crime: AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Notorious HIV robs victims of their immune systems, leading to AIDS and eventual death.
Victims: Anyone engaged in any kind of sexual activity is fair game to Notorious HIV. This criminal isn’t just America’s Most Unwanted. He has an international network most prominent on the continent of Africa. It’s estimated that there are 42 million people in the world living with HIV and that 3.2 million of them are under the age of 15. Since the beginning of the global epidemic, it’s estimated that 24.8 million people have died from complications directly related to AIDS. Notorious HIV is known to prefer people who already have another STD—whether or not that STD causes open sores or breaks in the skin.
Crime Scene: Any broken skin or mucous membranes, including the mouth, eyes, nose, vagina, rectum and opening of the penis.
Modus Operandi: Vaginal sex, anal sex and oral sex. Body fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal fluid and breast milk, have been found to contain high concentrations of HIV. Notorious HIV operates through skin-to-skin contact with open sores and lesions. He can enter a victim through a vein (when sharing needles during drug injection). In addition, female victims can pass the disease to their babies before birth or through breast-feeding after birth.
Notorious HIV cannot be transmitted casually, so kissing on the cheek, hugs and handshakes are very safe. Open-mouth kissing is considered a low risk activity for Notorious HIV, but prolonged open-mouth kissing can allow Notorious HIV to spread and expand his crime network.
Evidence: Those who come into direct contact with Notorious HIV may initially experience flu-like symptoms, including fatigue, fever, aches and rashes, for a short period of time. After the initial crime, most victims have no recognizable evidence for years. When the evidence goes undetected or unreported, the victim can become one of Notorious HIV’s many unsuspecting accomplices by spreading the disease if he or she continues to engage in sexual activity.
The Crime: After initial flu-like symptoms, most victims have no signs of the crime (infection) for the first 10 years. By then, the victim’s immune system is weakened enough to cause a variety of illnesses, including cancers, that eventually result in death.
Investigation: Blood test, oral fluid test or urine test between three and six months after the crime.
Apprehension: Since Notorious HIV is part of the Viral Family, he cannot be fully apprehended and cured. However, victims should seek an immediate medical examination if they have had sex with a partner who has been sexually active. There is no cure for HIV/AIDS, but early detection of a crime allows for more options for treatment and preventive measures that can increase the length and quality of life for the victim.
Prevention: The only way to totally avoid becoming infected with Notorious HIV is not to have sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral or anal), or by having sex within the context of a lifelong mutually faithful monogamous relationship (better known as marriage) with a partner who is not infected. Condoms may reduce the risk of becoming a victim, but they never eliminate it. See Self-Defense Manual.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. “HIV and Its Transmission.” http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/factsheets/transmission.htm. Davis, K. R., and S. C.Weller. “The Effectiveness of Condoms in Reducing Heterosexual
Transmission of HIV,” Family Planning Perspectives, 1999:31(6), pp. 272-279.
The Accused: G-Dub, a.k.a. Genital Warts or Human Papilloma-virus (HPV). Another potentially deadly member of the Viral Family, G-Dub has more than 100 different relatives known as strains who are partners in crime. At least 30 of these strains are sexually transmitted, and some are known to cause cancer in the genital area. G-Dub is known to sometimes leave a calling card at the scene of the crime: genital WMDs (warts of mass destruction).
Victims: Anyone engaged in any kind of sexual activity has a high risk of encountering G-Dub. At least 50 percent of sexually active men and women will have G-Dub at some point in their lives, and by the age of 50, at least 75 percent of women will be a victim of G-Dub. With 20 million crimes already under his belt in the United States, G-Dub gets around. Though not as famous as Notorious HIV, G-Dub infects 20 times as many victims and claims more than twice as many lives every year in the U.S.
Crime Scene: Genitals and genital area, anus and in/around the mouth.
Modus Operandi: G-Dub attacks through direct skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected partner. When warts are present, G-Dub is more likely to spread, but even without any visible symptoms, he’s likely to commit the crime.
Evidence: Most victims of G-Dub do not know they’ve been vandalized, but they can still become an accomplice to further crime and spread it to others. G-Dub lives in the skin or mucus membranes without any signs or symptoms, quietly waiting to infect another victim. Within a few weeks, months or even years, some victims notice soft, moist, pink or flesh-colored swellings in their genital or groin area. These bumps can be flat or raised, single or multiple, small or large and even broccoli and cauliflower shaped.
The Crime: The offense and consequences of G-Dub’s undercover operation is that he can remain in the body of his victims and spread to countless other victims through sexual contact. Ten strains of G-Dub have been known to lead to the development of cervical cancer.
Investigation: Visual inspection of criminal activity by G-Dub from a crime scene investigator (a trained medical professional). Some of G-Dub’s activities can be very difficult to detect. A Pap test is recommended for female victims as a screening tool for cervical cancer and pre-cancerous changes in the cervix related to HPV.
Apprehension: Since G-Dub is part of the Viral Family, he cannot be completely apprehended or cured. Some people have one episode of genital warts while others have many recurrences. In most female victims, the infection eventually goes away on its own. However, victims should seek immediate medical treatment if any evidence has been found. Several treatment options are available for removing visible genital warts, including:
• Cryotherapy: liquid nitrogen is used to freeze off the warts
• TCA (trichloracetic acid): a chemical is used to remove the warts
• Electrocauthery: an electric current is used to burn off the warts
• Laser therapy: an intense light is used to destroy warts
• Surgical removal: a knife is used to remove warts
• Cream or gel: a topical cream/gel is used to remove external genital warts (Note: Over-the-counter wart treatments should not be used in the genital area.)
Prevention: G-Dub can strike both men’s and women’s genital areas whether or not they are covered by a condom. The only way to stop G-Dub’s crime wave is to abstain from sexual intercourse or to choose to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship (better known as marriage) with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected. See Self-Defense Manual.
American Social Health Association. “Genital Warts Q&A.” http://www.ashastd.org/learn/learn_hpv_warts.cfm.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Genital HPV Infection Fact Sheet.” http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm.
Cervical Cancer Campaign. “HPV Frequently Asked Questions.” http://www.cervicalcancercampaign.org/faqs.aspx.
The Accused: Herp, a.k.a. Herpes. A popular member of the Viral Family, Herp’s victims fall prey to one of two categories of crimes: Oral Herpes (Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1) and Genital Herpes (Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2). Both of Herp’s virus types can occur in either the genital or oral area.
Victims: Anyone engaged in any kind of sexual activity can become a victim. Once Herp strikes, a person may become infected for life. At least 45 million people in the United States are victims of Herp. In fact, one in five people over the age of 11 has herpes. Approximately 70 percent of those infected by Herp will have recurrences. Some will have outbreaks throughout their lives, ranging from every few weeks to every few years.
Crime Scene: Genitals, face, lips, mouth. Oral sex with an infected victim can lead to lesions on the face, lips and inside the mouth.
Modus Operandi: Genital contact, oral sex and anal sex. Herp operates through skin-to-skin contact. Once he gains a foothold in a victim, he makes copies of himself and spreads throughout the body, where he will hide out until he’s ready to launch another assault. When he’s ready to attack, victims may or may not experience a noticeable outbreak.
Evidence: Herp’s victims experience blisters in the genital area and/or around the face and mouth. Once the blisters break, they leave tender ulcers or sores that take several weeks to heal. While the initial infection usually heals in a few weeks, outbreaks of criminal activity (new sores) can occur at the original scene every few weeks or months. For some women, the burning is so intense during an outbreak that they can’t urinate. Before an outbreak, victims may experience prodrome, a sensation that includes fever, chills, tingling, burning or pain.
The Crime: The offense and consequences of Herp include recurring blisters and burning sores that can be transmitted to sexual partners, as well as from a mother to her baby during childbirth. When Herp is present during a delivery, doctors will almost always require a C-section to minimize the risk of infecting the child, which can lead to blindness or death.
Investigation: Blood tests, viral culture.
Apprehension: Since Herp is part of the Viral Family, he cannot be fully apprehended or cured. However, victims should seek immediate medical treatment when evidence has been found. Anti-viral medication can reduce the severity of the crime (infection) and shorten the duration of the outbreaks. Keeping the area as clean and dry as possible and allowing the crime area to get air can help speed the healing process. (Note: Over-the-counter creams and/or ointments are not recommended for genital herpes, since they can interfere with the healing process and extend the outbreak.)
Prevention: Condoms may reduce the risk of becoming a victim, but they never eliminate it. The only way to completely avoid Herp’s invasion is to avoid sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral or anal), or by having sex within the context of a lifelong mutually faithful monogamous relationship (better known as marriage) with an uninfected partner. See Self-Defense Manual.
American Social Health Association. “Herpes Fast Facts.” http://www.ashastd.org/herpes/herpes_learn.cfm.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Genital Herpes.” http://www.cdc.gov/std/Herpes/default.htm.
____. “Genital Herpes Fact Sheet.” http://www.cdc.gov/std/Herpes/STDFact-Herpes.htm.
Fleming, D. “Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 in the United States, 1976-1994.” New England Journal of Medicine, October 1997: 337(16), pp. 1105-1111.
National Coalition of STD Directors. “Quick Facts: Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-2).” http://www.ncsddc.org/herpes_simplex.htm.
The Accused: Medea, a.k.a. Chlamydia. The most popular member of the Bacterial Family, Medea is the most frequently reported bacterial STD in the United States. She’s known as a “silent” disease because about 75 percent of female victims and 50 percent of male victims don’t show any signs of criminal activity.
Victims: Anyone engaged in any kind of sexual activity is fair game for Medea. With more than 2.8 million new victims each year, she is a hardened criminal and likes to prey on youth. Her prime victims are women ages 15 to 19 years of age. It’s estimated that 10 percent of all sexually active teenagers are Medea’s victims and at risk of infertility.
Crime Scene: Genitals and genital area, mouth and anus.
Modus Operandi: Genital contact, oral sex and anal sex.
Evidence: Men often have a hard time recognizing that Medea has perpetrated a crime. A few may experience some discharge from their penis or pain during urination, but most won’t see a single shred of evidence that Medea has struck. They can quickly become accomplices spreading the disease to others if they continue sexual activity. Three-quarters of women who are victims don’t show any evidence and don’t know they are infected. Any recognizable criminal activity will appear during the first three weeks of infection. Signs of such activity include a vaginal discharge or a burning sensation while urinating. If the infection spreads to the fallopian tubes, a woman may experience lower abdominal pain, lower pack pain, bleeding between periods, pain during intercourse, nausea or fatigue.
The Crime: Medea strikes men, women and children. If undetected in men, Medea can cause inflammation of the prostate gland, scarring of the urethra, and infertility. If undetected in women, pelvic inflammatory disease can set in, resulting in infertility. Medea can also strike during child-birth, infecting babies through infected mothers and resulting in early infant pneumonia and conjunctivitis (pink eye) in newborns. In addition, female victims are up to five times more likely to become infected with the Notorious HIV if exposed to Chlamydia, and they are also more likely to be a victim of Rhea, a.k.a. Gonorrhea.
Investigation: Tests options include urine and swab tests, among others.
Apprehension: Since she is part of the Bacterial Family, Medea can be apprehended and cured once detected. However, damage already incurred—such as infertility—cannot be reversed. Victims should seek immediate medical treatment if Medea is a suspect. Her criminal activity can be easily treated and cured with antibiotics.
Prevention: Condoms, if used correctly 100 percent of the time, may reduce the risk of infection by less than 50 percent. Those are bad odds when it comes to being a victim of Medea. The only way to totally avoid infection is to avoid sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral or anal) or by having sex within the context of a lifelong mutually faithful monogamous relationship (better known as marriage) with an uninfected partner. If a person has had sex before marriage, he or she should be tested, regardless of whether that person is a man or a woman (see Self-Defense Manual).
Ahmed, S., T. Lutalo, M. Waver, et al. “HIV Incidence and Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevalence Associated with Condom Use: A Population Study in Rakai, Uganda.” AIDS. 2001:15, pp. 2171-2179.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Chlamydia.” http://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/default.htm.
The Accused: Rhea, a.k.a. Gonorrhea. A popular member of the Viral Family, she likes to commit her crimes in warm, most areas and tends to multiply wherever she goes.
Victims: Anyone engaged in any kind of sexual activity can run into Rhea. She strikes more than 700,000 unsuspecting victims in the United States each year, but only half of the victims report the crime (infection). Rhea’s highest reported crime rates are among sexually active teenagers, young adults and African Americans. Newborns also become innocent victims as women pass the bacteria to their babies during delivery, resulting in infant blindness, joint infection, and/or a life-threatening blood infection.
Crime Scene: Crimes are committed in the genitals and genital area, including the uterus (womb) and fallopian tubes (egg canals) in female victims and the urethra (urine canal) in male and female victims. Rhea can also commit crimes in the mouth, throat and eyes.
Modus Operandi: Rhea strikes through contact with the penis, vagina, anus or mouth. She can also spread her crime from mother to baby during delivery.
Evidence: Though many male victims don’t show any evidence or symptoms that they’ve been attacked, some experience a burning sensation when urinating or a white, yellow or green discharge from the penis during the first month after the crime has been committed. In addition, some male victims get painful or swollen testicles.
Though many female victims don’t show any signs or symptoms of criminal activity, they can experience a burning sensation during urination, increased vaginal discharge or bleeding between periods. These signs can often be mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection.
Symptoms of rectal infection in male and female victims may include discharge, anal itching, soreness, bleeding or painful bowel movements. Criminal activity in the mouth may cause sore throat.
The Crime: In female victims, Rhea leaves a trail in the form of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Signs of this crime include abdominal pain, fever, internal abscesses (pus-filled pockets that are difficult to cure) and chronic pelvic pain. This brutal disease can lead to infertility as well as a life-threatening pregnancy abnormality that causes a fertilized egg to grow outside the uterus. Rhea can also spread her crimes to the blood and joints, occasionally leading to death. Rhea’s partner in crime is Medea (a.k.a. Chlamydia) and they often travel together. In addition, victims of Rhea are more likely to be victims of her deadly associate, Notorious HIV, and spread his crimes to others.
Investigation: Several laboratory tests are available, including a urine test.
Apprehension: Since she is part of the Bacterial Family, Rhea can usually be fully apprehended (cured). Antibiotics can successfully arrest her, but several drug-resistant strains are more difficult to cure. While medication can stop the criminal activity, it will not repair permanent damage done by the crime. Any genital symptom such as discharge, burning during urination, sores or rashes is a sign to stop having sex and see a health care professional immediately. Victims should notify all recent sex partners as soon as possible.
Prevention: Latex condoms may reduce the risk of transmission of Rhea, but the only way to stop Rhea’s crime wave completely is to abstain from sexual intercourse or to have sex in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship (better known as marriage) with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected. See Self-Defense Manual.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Gonorrhea.” http://www.cdc.gov/std/Gonorrhea/.
The Accused: Trixie, a.k.a. Trichomoniasis. A key leader of gangs and cell groups, she is a complete parasite of a criminal.
Victims: Anyone engaged in any kind of sexual activity is inviting Trixie to commit a crime. Trixie is a popular criminal among women and finds more than 7.8 million new victims each year. She is the most easily apprehended criminal among young sexually active women.
Crime Scene: Genitals and genital area, mouth and anus.
Modus Operandi: Genital contact, oral sex.
Evidence: Trixie rarely leaves signs of her criminal activity on male victims. Occasionally, a male may have temporary irritation inside the penis, mild discharge or slight burning after urination or ejaculation. Within 5 to 28 days of the crime, female victims often have a frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with a strong odor. They may experience discomfort during intercourse and urination, as well as irritation and itching of the genital area. Occasional lower abdominal pain can occur.
The Crime: Trixie is known for the discomfort she causes her victims, including discharge, burning during urination, sores, rashes and pain. Pregnant victims may have babies who are born early or with low birth weights. Trixie can increase a female victim’s chances of attack by Notorious HIV and—if she continues her sexual activity—spreading him to others.
Investigation: Physical examination and laboratory test.
Apprehension: Since Trixie is a leader of bacterial gangs and cell groups, she can be fully apprehended (cured). However, victims should seek immediate medical treatment when evidence has been found. Victims may be treated with a prescription drug.
Prevention: Latex condoms may reduce the risk of transmission of Trixie, but the only way to stop her crime wave completely is to abstain from sexual intercourse or have sex in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship (better known as marriage) with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected. See Self-Defense Manual.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Trichomoniasis.” http://www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/default.htm.
Sorvillo, F., L. Smith, , P. Krendt, et al. “Trichomonas Vaginalis, HIV, and African-Americans.” Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2001:7(6), pp. 927-932.
The Accused: P-Deasy, a.k.a. PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease). P-Deasy is known as a hardened criminal and is the leading cause of infertility (the inability to have children) among women.
Victims: Women engaged in any kind of sexual activity are fair game for P-Deasy. This villain has a number of partners in crime, including Medea (Chlamydia) and Rhea (Gonorrhea). They often travel together, though other bacteria can also invite P-Deasy to a crime scene. P-Deasy’s prime victims are women between the ages of 15 and 25 years old. He is known to attack this age group more than any other. More than 100,000 women lose the ability to have children every year as a result of P-Deasy’s criminal behavior.
Crime Scene: Genital area and reproductive organs.
Modus Operandi: Genital contact, oral sex and anal sex.
Evidence: P-Deasy is hard to recognize, but some of his criminal trademark signs include dull pain or tenderness in the lower abdomen, burning or pain during urination, nausea, vomiting, bleeding between menstrual periods, increased or changed vaginal discharge, pain during sex, fever or chills. Occasionally P-Deasy won’t leave any evidence or will confuse medical investigators by masquerading as appendicitis, ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, ruptured ovarian cysts, or other problems.
The Crime: The consequences of undetected P-Deasy can remain in the bodies of his victims and lead to infertility, inflammation of the urinary tract and bladder, ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. In addition, an abscess (pus-filled area) can develop within the pelvic region.
Investigation: Pelvic exam and/or pelvic ultrasound, laparoscopy.
Apprehension: Though P-Deasy is part of the bacterial gangs and cell groups, he can be cured with several types of antibiotics. However, antibiotic treatment does not reverse any damage that has already occurred to the reproductive organs. The longer a victim delays treatment, the more likely she is to become infertile or have a future ectopic (tubal) pregnancy due to damage on the fallopian tubes.
Prevention: Untreated STDs, including Medea (Chlamydia) and Rhea (Gonorrhea), are the main villains behind P-Deasy’s infiltration, and they should be apprehended immediately. Latex condoms may reduce the eventual development of P-Deasy, but the only way to stop P-Deasy’s crime wave completely is to abstain from sexual intercourse or to have sex in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship (better known as marriage) with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected. Sex partners of PID victims should be examined and treated if they have had recent sexual contact to avoid reinfection. See Self-Defense Manual.
American Social Health Association. “PID Q&A.” http://www.ashastd.org/learn/learn_pid.cfm.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Fact Sheet.” http://www.cdc.gov/std/PID/STDFact-PID.htm.
The Accused: The Crabs, a.k.a. Pubic Lice. Though this gang comes from the same crime family of parasites as head and body lice, they are not the same thing. The Crabs resemble crabs you see on the beach, and they’re often whitish-gray or rust colored. They often leave their small, oval-shaped, pearl-colored eggs at the base of the hair.
Victims: In the United States, The Crabs commit crimes against three million victims each year.
Crime Scene: Pubic hair and other course hair, including eyelashes, eyebrows, facial hair, chest or armpits. The Crabs do not usually commit their crimes in hair on the head.
Modus Operandi: Genital contact, oral sex and anal sex. Non-sexual crimes are also possible. The Crabs can attack victims who sleep in an infested bed, use an infested towel, wear infested clothing, or use an infested toilet seat (though this is rare). The Crabs are thieves. They steal human blood in order to survive and can live up to 24 hours after feasting on the human body.
Evidence: The Crabs criminal presence is often recognized by itching in the pubic area. The itching is caused by an allergic reaction to the activity of The Crabs and usually begins within five days of the crime. In addition, dark or bluish spots may appear in the infested area—a result of the bites. A magnifying glass can help identify the perpetrator as The Crabs.
The Crime: The offense and consequences of an undetected presence of The Crabs is discomfort, inconvenience and potential embarrassment. Occasionally, secondary bacterial infections may occur due to aggressive scratching.
Investigation: Visual inspection with a magnifying glass or examination by a crime scene investigator (a health care professional).
Apprehension: Since The Crabs are linked to the bacterial gangs and cell groups, they can be fully apprehended (cured). However, victims should seek immediate medical treatment when evidence has been found. A prescription shampoo is available as well as an over-the-counter cream, Permethrin. Neither should be used on the eyebrows or eyelashes.
Prevention: The only way to stop The Crabs’ crime wave is to abstain from sexual intercourse or to have sex in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship (better known as marriage) with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected. See Self-Defense Manual.
American Social Health Association. “Crabs Fast Facts.” http://www.ashastd.org/learn/learn_crabs_facts.cfm.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Pubic Lice Infestation Fact Sheet.” http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/lice/factsht_pubic_lice.htm.
The Accused: HB, a.k.a. Hepatitis B. HB is a member of the Viral Family and is commonly spread through sexual contact. One of his brothers, Hepatitis C, can also commit crimes through sexual contact.
Victims: Anyone engaged in any kind of sexual activity is fair game to HB. One out of 20 people in the U.S. will be a victim of HB during his or her lifetime. The CDC estimates that 1.25 million people in the United States are victims of a chronic HB crime.
Crime Scenes: The liver, which becomes inflamed.
Modus Operandi: Vaginal, anal or oral sex. HB invades through contact with another person’s blood, including blood transfusions, contaminated needles, razors and knives. Pregnant victims of HB can pass it on to their babies at birth.
Evidence: The CDC estimates that 30 percent of HB’s victims have no signs or symptoms that a crime has been committed. Victims who do experience signs usually experience flu-like symptoms including fatigue, mild fever, nausea, vomiting and discomfort in the abdomen between 9 and 21 weeks after exposure. Loss of appetite and weight loss may result. Victims may notice dark colored urine and their skin may become yellow.
The Crime: It’s estimated that 15 to 25 percent of HB’s victims die each year in the United States due to complications of cirrhosis and liver cancer. HB can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure), as well as death. HB victims may become accomplices if they continue sexual activity, spreading the disease. Pregnant women may also infect their babies.
Investigation: Blood test.
Apprehension: Since HB is part of the Viral Family, he cannot be fully apprehended and cured. Victims should seek an immediate medical examination if they have had sex with another partner who has been sexually active. There is no cure for HB, but early detection of a crime allows for more treatment options, including antiviral drugs to treat chronic HB infection.
Prevention: Latex condoms may reduce the crime of HB and there is a Hepatitis B vaccine, but the only way to stop HB’s crime wave completely is to abstain from sexual intercourse or to have sex in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship (better known as marriage) with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected. Sex partners of victims who have contracted HB should be examined and treated if they have had recent sexual contact to avoid reinfection. See Self-Defense Manual.
American Social Health Association. “Hepatitis B Q&A.” http://www.ashastd.org/learn/learn_hepatitisB.cfm.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Viral Hepatitis B.” http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/b/index.htm.
National Organization of STD Directors. “Hepatitis B Quick Facts.” http://www.ncsddc.org/hepatitis_b.htm.