Sorry, folks, but this Valentine’s-related post is quite a bit less whimsical than our previous one.

You may have seen media reports about two new studies released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, just in time for Valentine’s Day, about the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections. The studies showed there were about 110 million incidences of STIs in the year 2008.

Well, one of those two studies was conducted by epidemiologist Catherine Satterwhite, who’s an assistant professor of preventive medicine and public health in the KU School of Medicine. She worked for the CDC for more than 10 years before coming to KU.

The studies show “an ongoing, severe STI epidemic,” Satterwhite told NBC News.

To whine about how I’m a Valentine’s downer, or send me your KU news tips, email me at merickson@ljworld.com.