Free STD Services Offered at Sampson Health Department
Abstract
Although there has been an overall decline in most sexually transmitted diseases in the state of North Carolina, Sampson County has experienced a 124 percent increase in the number of chlamydia cases from 2010 through 2011 with almost 300 cases reported last year. Individuals with chlamydia usually do not present symptoms so they are unaware that they are infected and are potentially spreading the disease with unfortunate consequences, such as reproductive problems, without appropriate treatment.
Gonorrhea has also increased by more than 143 percent in the county over the past two years. Men are more likely than women to exhibit symptoms but both can be asymptomatic and continue to spread the disease through lack of treatment. Sampson County has also seen an increase from last year in the number of HIV/AIDS cases (a 133 percent increase) and syphilis cases (a 125 percent increase).
A pregnant woman who is infected with STDs can potentially pass along the disease to her unborn infant, who may develop a variety of infections and diseases as a result, including eye and ear infections, pneumonia, birth deformities, or fatalities.
The Sampson County Health Department offers outreach and educational presentations as well as STD screening services by appointment or walk-in. For more information, call (910) 592-1131 ext. 4972. To schedule an appointment, please call (910) 592-1131, ext. 4001, 4220, or 4960.
Source
http://www.clintonnc.com
Date of Publication
10/15/2012
Author
Kathie Johnson, RN
Article Type
General media
Article Category
Local and Community News
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