City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito revealed Sunday on Twitter that she has HPV, a sexually transmitted disease that can cause cancer.
“At recent #GYN visit alarmed to find out last one, 2yrs ago. Friday got call re: results. Told have ‘high risk HPV.’ #Biopsy needed #ASAP,” Mark-Viverito tweeted at 8:17 p.m.
“Tuesday I’m there,’’ she added. “To say I’m not wee bit worried = lie. ‘High risk HPV’ can POTENTIALLY but NOT definitively lead to cervical #cancer.”
An aide told The Post that Mark-Viverito, who is not married, decided to reveal that she had human papillomavirus — the most common sexually transmitted infection — because she wanted to destigmatize and raise awareness about it.
“I’m an extremely private person. But this position has led me to understand I now have a bigger responsibility. So….#moretocome,’’ tweeted the politician, 45.
“I struggled & came to conclusion it would be best to disclose & share process I’m going thru hoping it can be helpful to others.”
After her revelation, scores of supporters — including fellow council members — tweeted words of encouragement.
“Madam Speaker, we pray for positive results!” tweeted Brooklyn Councilman Chaim Deutsch.
One tweeter, @VamosMets, wrote, “I don’t always agree with your politics or views but this is when you put those things aside. I wish u well & pray all is fine.”
And another, Linda Sarsour, tweeted, “I haven’t seen a GYN in like 5 years. You just inspired me. We need to take care of ourselves so we can take care of others.”
HPV is the most pervasive sexually transmitted disease because it can be contracted through vaginal, anal or oral sex after just one sexual experience with an infected individual.
A person may not exhibit symptoms until years after infection, making it possible to pass it on without knowing it.