Of all STDs recorded in Onslow County, N.C., chlamydia has the highest number of cases, up to 802 between January and June of 2012, compared to only 585 between those same months in 2011. Pam Brown, the county health department’s public relations officer, speculates that one explanation for the huge increase is new reporting standards. Local medical providers are testing for chlamydia more often and reporting it more accurately. This is especially true when a new test is developed and used, according to Brown.
Onslow County Health Department Nurse Supervisor Leslie Brandon notes that the department has recently begun a new policy for those diagnosed with chlamydia, called “expedited partner therapy.” Through this policy, the department provides chlamydia medicines both to patients and their partners. The department also urges the partners of those infected to get tested.
The walk-in STD clinic provides free testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV/AIDS. The clinic treats chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis free of charge, but refers patients with HIV/AIDS to a disease intervention specialist, who can help them obtain treatment. Brandon stresses the importance of getting tested before becoming sexually active, and of having one’s partner tested as well, noting that chlamydia is one of the STDs with the least symptoms but the highest number of cases.
For more information about the STD clinic and testing, visit onslowcountync.gov/health, or call (910) 347–2154.
Source
http://www.jdnews.com/news
Date of Publication
01/10/2013
Author
Tabitha Clark
Article Type
General media
Article Category
Local and Community News
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