Study Finds 14% Of College Freshmen Contract HPV By End Of Campus Tour

BALTIMORE—Aiming to raise awareness of the sexually transmitted disease, a new study published Tuesday by the University of Maryland School of Medicine revealed that nearly 14% of college freshmen will contract human papillomavirus by the end of their campus tour. “New data shows a staggering number of incoming college students are diagnosed with HPV by the time they reach the admissions office,” said lead researcher Faith McLaughlin, stressing the importance of all genders taking preventative measures to practice safe touring before stepping foot on university premises. “It’s important to understand the risks of going on a campus visit unprotected, especially when only about 30% of docents are up-to-date on their HPV vaccinations. For this reason, we urge students and parents alike to always wear a condom when walking the hallowed halls of these storied institutions and to do their best to avoid skin-to-skin contact during the 90-minute walking excursion.” McLaughlin went on to recommend that infected parties call anyone they’ve taken a campus tour with to inform them of their status, per guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.