HPV

The Human Pappiloma Virus (or HPV) comes in many different types, some of which cause more of a health concern than the others.

HPV is a sexually transmitted disease and it is believed the chances of contracting it are higher among aboriginal women.

Dr. Muna Ar-Rushdi is the Medical Officer of Health for Labrador Grenfell Health.

She says that certain types of HPV can cause cervical cancer.

She adds that there is currently a study being conducted in which samples are being collected from willing participants to examine which types of HPV(if any) there are.

Samples are collected during a woman’s wellness clinic exam.

She says there is a vaccine available to prevent HPV, which is called Gardisol. It was released in 2007 and is offered to girls in grades 6 and 9.

Ar-Rushdi adds that there will be posters sent to each community with more information about HPV.