Georgia confirms case of rare STD

The confirmation of a case of a rare and potentially serious sexually transmitted disease in an Atlanta man has prompted health officials to urge men who have sex with men to take precautions against this and other STDs. In a statement, the Georgia Division of Public Health said a case of Lymphogranuloma Venereum--or LGV, a rare form of chlamydia--was confirmed in a gay man who also is HIV-positive and has another STD. Six LGV cases have been identified in the United States: two in New York, three in San Francisco, and the Atlanta case. Since 1992, Georgia has recorded 16 cases of the disease. LGV is difficult to diagnose. Symptoms of the current cases have included rectal bleeding, pus from the rectum, or painful defecation. LGV's traditional symptoms are swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin. Adding to health officials' concerns: The ulcers and bleeding associated with LGV increase the risk of HIV transmission. (AP)