A quick note on beer pong and herpes

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Wed, Jul 28, 2010 (2:55 p.m.)

Beer pong spreads herpes—that’s what news organizations gleefully reported after a number of online articles claimed as much. But consider an excerpt from one such article, a quote from CDC spokesman Dr. Cole Desorio: “Young adults, when asked if they practice safe pong, responded that they rinse the ball after it bounces off the table. CDC statistics have shown that rinsing has a negligible effect on the prevention of HSV transmission.” Now say “Cole Desorio” out loud. Yes, it was a hoax—the CDC has issued a statement refuting the reports. Still, sharing swill and saliva, you’re bound to catch something. Safe pong, people. Safe pong.

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