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Last updated 9:56 am CT February 09, 2010.
Bill Aimed at Stopping Spread of STD's
In Jackson County for example, there were 411 reported cases of chlamydia in 2006, and 96 cases of gonorrhea. Statewide, there were more than 73,000 cases of both diseases.
Pamphlets at the Jackson County Health Department are just a few of the things handed out to patients with a sexually transmitted disease. Besides the educational materials--patients are given an antibiotic too.
"They are pretty easily treated and the treatments are very effective as long as the person doesn't get reinfected. And the key to not get reinfected is to get the partners treated" said registered nurse Kathy O'Laughlin.
And now, thanks to a new bill in the senate, that could be a reality. The Expedited Partner Therapy measure would allow doctors and health care providers to give extra medication to patients with gonorrhea or chlamydia.
The hope is they'll share the medicine with their partners.
"It's definitely something you can get again. That's one of our challenges. If someone is treated and they don't get their partner treated, and they're back with that partner they can get the infection back."
O'Laughlin says people between the ages of 16 and 25 are more likely to get an STD. And because there's a university in Jackson County, the rates there are higher than other parts of southern Illinois.
Many times, the diseases can lead to infection and infertility.
"It can also cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, which can be a very painful condition that requires hospitalization at times."
O'Laughlin says there are a lot of repeat cases--which increases the patients risk for complications later in life.
The senate is expected to vote on the EPT sometime next week.
by Kevin Hunsperger
khunsperger@wsiltv.com
Now: 1265731577
