“Patient Zeta”, Derrick Burts discusses condom use and STIs
The once unknown porn actor who contracted HIV known only as “Patient Zeta” has come out as 24 year old Derrick Burts. And now Mr. Burts wants some changes in the porn industry to protect actors from sexually transmitted infections (STI).
Burts, star of both straight and gay porn contracted HIV over a month ago says he wishes he knew more about the risks of getting STIs. He is now an advocate of mandatory condom use in all pornographic movies.
Burts says, “It is very dangerous. It should be required that you wear a condom on the set.” In addition to catching HIV, Burts also revealed contracting Chlamydia, gonorrhea and herpes in the months prior to his HIV revelation.
So, how effective is condom use in preventing sexually transmitted infections?
Though not a perfect preventive measure, they do significantly reduce the chance of transmission. The National Institutes of Health says condom use reduces the risk of contracting the virus by 85%.
Strict, consistent condom use is also very effective against Chlamydia and gonorrhea. However, certain STIs like herpes and human papilloma virus can still be spread if the condom does not cover all infected skin. These viruses are spread via skin to skin contact.






The re:solve AIDS project is raising money to get a promising AIDS vaccine through human testing so that it can be produced and made available to the public. Check it out http://ResolveFromCDF.org