STD Rates Increase in Snohomish County | What To Do

STD Rates Increase in Snohomish County

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also lately estimated that there are approximately 20 million fresh Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) every year in this country.

Rising Chlamydia Cases

These large numbers and up-surged cases being recounted locally the Snohomish Health District initiated pulling together information earlier this year to take a much closer look. When examining the reported circumstances of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) from the year 2011 to 2016, Snohomish County has had an increase by 40 percent in Chlamydia, a 112 percent growth in syphilis, and a bigger 243 percent increase in cases of gonorrhea.

Jefferson Ketchel, the Interim Administrator for the Health District observed that the increase in STD rates are not exclusive to Snohomish County, nonetheless we only have four illness investigators existing to attend to a county with close to almost a million people.

“Reducing resources and amassing population’s means we really are in a response-only mode at the moment,” said Ketchel.

Adding to an analysis of circumstances by city and type, the information was precipitated by demographics to aid identify the populations most affected

Along with the marked increase in STD rates, here are some other highlights featured in the report:
i. Chlamydia cases were mainly in younger adults; with about 68 percent of the female cases affecting those between 15-24 years old while 83 percent of the male infections were affecting those 15-34 years old.
ii. Amid adults who were 25-34 years old, there was a 395 percent upsurge in gonorrhea contagions for males and 314 percent rise in females from the year 2012 to 2016.

iii. Those who were recognized as multiracial, Latino or Hispanic reflected 32 percent of all syphilis reports, with the Hispanic or Latino population experiencing a 174 percent growth in contagions from the year 2012 to the year 2016.

The briefing article did not only provide a reference point of data to use moving onward, but it also assessed roles of the Health District and Community partners currently in practice and parts for amplified attention.

The Strategic areas of focus

Growing access to Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) in the society, permitting some individuals detected with chlamydia or gonorrhea to get prescriptions for his or her sexual partner to avert re-infection.

Availing outreach and learning to the society, as well as to suppliers among other community partners who come into contact with targeted populaces, like colleges, youth clubs and cultural groups.

Refining case follow-up and improving data accrued through more partnership between suppliers and the Health District Staff.

STDs are most normally transmitted via anal, virginal and oral sex. Nevertheless, some STDs as hepatitis B and HIV can as well be spread through blood-to-blood interaction by sharing of things like needles for injecting drugs.

Infected Pregnant women with STDs may also pass infections to their babies during pregnancy, delivery or even during the lactation period.

What You Can Do

Since the increase in STD rates is cause for concern, there are many precautions that anyone can take to halt the spread of common STDs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. Routine testing is guaranteed to mitigate risk behaviors. So, if you’d like to take control of your health, get tested today. To find a lab near you, enter your zip code and locate the most convenient STD testing lab.