STIs spreads are record high

Fast rising sexually transmitted infections

On Wednesday, April 4 health department officials alerted sexually active people that sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a fast-rising scourge in Putnam County and across the country. In the year 2017, gonorrhea cases rose in the county by 60 percent and showed an increase from 17 to 27 of reported cases between 2016 and 2017.

After a surge in the level of syphilis by 125 percent, the number of times Chlamydia and Syphilis cases were reported remained relatively stable. These statistics were made available by the health department officials. The rate at which Syphilis cases rose in 2015 was never experienced since 1995. This report was worrisome to local and global sexual infection doctors who called for a people to take STD Tests seriously.

Awareness and action are pathways to recovery

The message should be reiterated as the April is National Sexually Transmitted Disease Awareness Month. The interim Putnam Health Commissioner Michael J. Nesheiwat said 'the doctor/patient rapport is a key ingredient to all successful medical care, and something physicians value when practicing medicine. 'The resurgence of sexually transmitted diseases is quite serious.

If untreated, these diseases can cause severe health problems. The health department is spearheading efforts and partnering with local physicians to increase appropriate testing. In this way, we can stem this trend.' Some partners with the Putnam County Department of Health in collaboration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have coined a theme 'Treat Me Right' to sensitize people.

This slogan is a message that stresses the importance of a trusting provider/patient relationship in giving and enjoying the best health care. More so the message tells sexually active people about the need for STD Tests and protective measures. Also, it is for providers to develop trust by listening to victims of sexually transmitted infections in a humane manner.

After the infection of Chlamydia the second most common STD is Gonorrhea, and since 2015 there have been almost five hundred thousand cases of gonorrhea leading to spread of STI in Putnam county. Since that same year, over 1.5 million cases of Chlamydia have been reported nationwide. During the same time, nearly 27,000 people have contracted syphilis, which is the third most common infection further adding to the increase of STIs in Putnam County.

Early detection and treatment plans

During urination, there are bladder infections that cause burning sensations or pains, and these mild symptoms are similar to gonorrhea in women. Every sexually active person is at risk; pregnant women, LGBT people, and young people from between 15 to 24 years old. However, there are medications for all STDs, and treatment plans are available for curative measures. However, it is wiser to get tested, know your status and get the right treatments than to keep an eye on possible symptoms.

STD Tests are lifesavers

In Putnam County, there is a federally qualified health center with free services free at 155 Main Street in Brewster.  Visit the center for help, or call the phone number 845-279-6999 for inquiries on prevention, transmission, and symptoms. Patients who need additional information can reach the center online at www.putnamcountyny.com, or by calling the number 845-808-1390, the communicable disease nurse at the health department will offer more advice.

Contributor: admin