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“Rates are measured in number of cases per 100,000 people, and while we still have lower case numbers, the rate of increase is alarming,” explained Nesheiwat. “This is something we really need to raise awareness about. So it’s fitting that April is STD Awareness Month, a time set aside to do just that.”
The county Department of Health reports that in addition to chlamydia, sexually transmitted diseases that must be reported to the department by physicians also include gonorrhea and syphilis. All three can result in hospitalization and affect people of all ages.
The department also reports that chlamydia and gonorrhea especially take a heavier toll on young people, particularly women.
Additionally, the county Health Department notes that the effects of STDs can be severe because many of these infections can go unnoticed or ignored, and therefore untreated. Pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility are the serious long-term problems that may result if not treated early with the proper antibiotics, according to the department.
The department notes that syphilis, the less common of the three but potentially fatal, has surged in recent years, particularly among men in New York state; and in Putnam County, there are 10 total confirmed cases so far this year — more than all the cases last year, according to the department.
The department reports that all STDs can be prevented with the proper use of latex condom.
The department advises getting tested and using condoms with any sexual activity (vaginal, anal or oral) because it's possible to have an STD without any signs or symptoms and spread it.
Primary care providers can test and prescribe the right antibiotic treatment. For those who are under- or uninsured, Putnam County’s federally qualified health center, Open Door, provides these services on a sliding scale.
The office is at 155 Main St., Brewster.
For more information, call 845-279-6999 or visit www.putnamcountyny.com/health.
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