In many states it is a criminal offense to intentionally or recklessly transmit a sexually transmitted disease (STD or venereal disease) to another person. Examples of such diseases include HIV/AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), genital warts, and hepatitis B.

Laws vary from state to state, and in some states these laws include other infectious or communicable diseases. In some states there is a specific criminal offense for transmission of sexually transmitted or communicable diseases, and in other states criminal prosecutors charge the defendant with a more general crime like assault.

Laws regarding criminal liability for the intentional or reckless transmission of sexual or other infectious or communicable diseases are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code, or the health and safety code.

A person who negligently transmits a sexually transmitted disease to another person through sexual contact—without informing the other person of the offender’s infection before the sexual contact—may also be subject to civil liability for money damages in a lawsuit.

In North Carolina, it is a criminal offense to knowingly transmit a sexually transmitted disease (STD) to another person. Under North Carolina General Statutes § 14-27.21, it is illegal for a person who knows that he or she is infected with an STD to act in a reckless manner by engaging in sexual activity without using a condom and without informing the partner of the infection. This law specifically mentions HIV/AIDS but also applies to other STDs. Violation of this statute is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor. Additionally, individuals who negligently transmit an STD without informing their partners may face civil lawsuits for damages. It's important to note that the legal landscape is subject to change, and individuals seeking specific legal advice should consult with an attorney.