The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 19 million new infections from sexually transmitted diseases occur every year, making STDs the most commonly reported infectious diseases in the country. In Massachusetts, some 20,000 cases are reported each year. Among the topics discussed in this program are specific diseases and their symptoms and treatments, how public health officials track diseases, reporting obligations of health providers, issues of confidentiality, steps public health officials take to stop the spread of such diseases and how they assist affected individuals in getting care and treatment.