Health experts have reported that there has been a major increase in the case of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) across Jefferson County. The officials from the Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) have said that cases of sexually transmitted infections are shooting up among teens and young adults in the county. They have advised young adults living in the county to take precautions while getting sexually involved to prevent such infections. As per the latest data, the rates of syphilis, gonorrhea, Chlamydia have significantly gone up in teenagers and young people. Health officials from the Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) have said that the rate of Chlamydia has gone up to 23.4 percent in Jefferson County from 2019 to 2020. The cases of gonorrhea have contributed to 22.4 percent of all sexually transmitted infections in the county. While the infection rate of syphilis has jumped over 41 percent. Public health experts have said that the greatest rate of new sexually transmitted infections has been seen in young adults and teenagers.
Health officials have said that they have been surprised to see a cluster of HIV cases as well in teenagers who are in the age range of 15 to 19 years in 2020 and 2021. The associate chief of Clinical Health Services at the Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH), Dr. Kelly Conroy has said that many people do not comprehend that sexually transmitted infections can spread via any type of intercourse. At times, people suffer from sexually transmitted infections and they do not know it. Therefore, it becomes necessary to be tested to diagnose sexually transmitted infections. Health experts have said that with regular testing, people can protect themselves and their sexual partner or partners. Dr. Kelly Conroy has said that the earlier a sexually transmitted infection is diagnosed, the better the outcomes are in long term. She has said that if people are tested on a regular basis, additional cases of STIs can be prevented.
Regular testing can reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections, said the expert. In the wake of rising cases of sexually transmitted infections, health officials from the Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) have decided to launch a campaign known as Sex Facts Jeffco all over again that has been put in place back in 2019 as well. Health experts have said that people need to be more aware of their bodies to make an informed decision about their overall health, relationships, and daily life. The co-chief of Clinical Health Services at the Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH), Dr. Kelly Conroy has said that JCPH is committed to helping people with any kind of information so that they can make better choices about their lifestyle. The health department of Jefferson County has issued warnings about the rising cases of STIs in the region.
Health experts have notified the residents of the county about the preventive measures they should practice to keep themselves safe from sexually transmitted diseases. They have said that people who think they are at risk of STIs should immediately undergo testing. It is easy and convenient as people can perform the test at the ease of their homes with the help of mail-in kits. Experts have said that people can call the helpline number to seek help and more detailed information. People can undergo screening at Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) office as well.
The officials from the Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) have said that for testing, parental consent is not needed. They have said that the results of all testing are confidential and will not be shared with anyone other than the people who have taken the tests. Last year, many people have not been able to undergo testing for sexually transmitted diseases due to the COVID19 pandemic and lack of access to testing kits and other health services. However, now, JCPH is operational and STI services are readily accessible at the JCPH clinic for everyone who is at risk. Public health officials have said that people need to ensure that they are correctly using protective barriers such as condoms, dental dams, and internal condoms with every person they are having sexual contact. They have said that people need to use personal lubrication to prevent the tissues from abrasions and micro-tears that can shoot up the spread of many sexually transmitted ailments. Some experts have claimed that reducing the number of sexual partners might help lessen the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
On the other hand, some health leaders claim that no matter how many sexual partners an individual has, there are many preventive tools that can be used to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. People should encourage their sexual partners to be tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Sexual partners can go together to be screened for STIs if they are at risk of such diseases. It will help alleviate if there are some concerns regarding the risk of sexually transmitted infections. Health experts have said that sexual partners can help each other to find ways and means to identify the next plan of action if one of the partners is detected with a sexually transmitted infection.
The officials from the Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) have said that if people are concerned about their risk of contracting HIV, they should immediately get in touch with their health care providers. Health care providers should prescribe PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) treatment if they think a patient is at risk of contracting HIV. Experts have said that PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a treatment that can reduce the risk of catching HIV if it is taken correctly and at the right time.
Carolyn is a technology graduate and loves to write about anything related to technology as well as writes in others sectors. Carolyn is a professional writer with over 7 years of experience. Initially starting off as a programmer, Carolyn decided to combine her knowledge about technology and writing and that’s how she joined Reporter Expert.
