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Local News

Expedited Partner Therapy available at Ionia County Health Department

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are a significant public health problem. In Michigan reported cases of gonorrhea and chlamydia exceed 55,000 annually and numbers continue to increase.

 

Rates of infection are highest in men and women under the age of 24, increasing the potential for negative outcomes such as infertility.

 

To prevent further spread of chlamydia and gonorrhea, medical providers have an option to ensure that exposed individuals receive treatment. A recent amendment to the Michigan Public Health Code authorizes the use of Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) for  medical providers to give a prescription or medication that one sex partner can deliver to another without a medical appointment.

 

EPT is a useful alternative when a partner is unable or unlikely to seek care. It is a proven effective intervention that is highly recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Ionia County Health Department can provide medication to the partners of patients with a clinical or laboratory diagnosis of chlamydia or gonorrhea. The partners of infected clients from within the 60 days prior to client treatment are the best candidates for EPT as they are at the highest risk for infection.

 

There is no limit to the number of partners that can be treated through the EPT process. If a partner is pregnant, every effort will be made to contact her for a referral to pregnancy services and/or pre-natal care.

 

For more information about EPT or other issues pertaining to STDs or STIs, please contact the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services at www.michigan.gov/hivstd and the Ionia County Health Department at 616-527-5341. At the health department, treatment for gonorrhea or chlamydia does not require an appointment – people are seen on a first-come first-served basis by a specially trained professional nurse.

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