Here's one neighborhood where you definitely shouldnt have unprotected sex, share a needle or stand next to someone coughing.
The 10457 ZIP code in the Bronx which includes Tremont, portions of Crotona, Belmont and Claremont has the highest number of people afflicted by two of the following conditions: HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia and tuberculosis, according to the Department of Health.
All seven diseases are epidemic in 10457, with infection rates for all conditions in the top 20% of cases citywide.
Its not just a 10457 problem. In fact, the Bronx has the highest number of ZIP codes 70% where residents are in the top 20% for at least two diseases.
In Manhattan, 45% of ZIP codes have two-disease rates in the top 20%, compared to 25% of Queens ZIPs and 22% in Brooklyn.
Its very disturbing, especially for our community, Tom Murray, director of community affairs for St. Barnabas Hospital and the chairman of Community Board 6s Health and Human Services Committee.
The teenagers are engaging in very risky behavior. They think AIDS is a thing of the past.
The ZIP codes high poverty rate contributes to the disproportionate number battling two or more serious diseases. Roughly 70,000 people live in the 10457 ZIP code and the median household income is $24,537. Some 43% of Tremont/Crotona residents live below the poverty line compared a poverty rate of 21% citywide.
While this is a disappointment, its not a surprise, said Community Board 6 District Manager Ivine Galarza.
Residents blamed officials.
Im afraid, said Yolanda Smith, 32, said. The government needs to do something about it.
Juan Santos, 63, a disabled veteran, called for more activities and education for young people.
The main problem with venereal disease is a lack of information, he said. We have a lot of billboards about cigarettes and beer. Why are there no billboards about AIDS?
Its not as if condoms arent available, said one shop owner. Its just that people arent using them.
I got a lot of condoms, said Andrew Garcia, manager of the Crotona Lotto Plus shop. Nobodys asking for condoms. When the hospital came and gave out the free condoms, I left them here. Nobody took them.
