Sexually transmitted disease rates good but can be better, health department says Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010

In the anything-goes mentality of college life, “responsibility” isn’t in the forefront of many students’ minds when it comes to sexual activity.

But one student at Central Washington University (CWU), who wishes to remain anonymous, has no choice but to be responsible.

The student contracted the human papillomavirus (HPV) two years ago. more so than many, she says, she understands the concerns about sexually-transmitted infections (STIs).

It’s not painful for her, she says. but it does affect her love life and the relationships she chooses to have.

She always has informational pamphlets handy. And she has educated herself and researched the topic thoroughly enough to answer any questions a partner might have.

“I’ll do whatever it takes to make them feel comfortable about it,” she said. “I always insist on using condoms for my own peace of mind … I’m just coming to terms with” HPV.

HPV, overall, is the most common STI in the United States, and generally causes no symptoms. However, individuals who are not treated are at a much higher risk of cervical cancer and pregnant women can pass the virus to their infant at delivery. the student found out she contracted the virus after a normal pap screening test.

The virus typically lasts for about two to five years until becoming dormant and disappearing.

“Right now it’s a waiting game,” she said. “I’m a carrier for the next few years.”

Kittitas County STI Rates

According to the Kittitas County Public Health Department, most of the STI cases in Kittitas County are young, presumably because Ellensburg has a large college student population.

“Let’s just say that we do see a decrease in cases during the summer,” said Amy Diaz, assessment coordinator for the Kittitas County Public Health Department.

According to the most recent report on STI rates in Kittitas County, for 2007- 2008, the overwhelming majority of cases are in the 15-24 age range.

HPV, however, is not the most commonly diagnosed STI in the county, despite its rates nationwide. Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed STI (with genital herpes a close second), Diaz said. Numbers for other common STIs such asGonorrhea are small, and cases are few and far between.

Jen Ham, community organizer for Kittitas County Planned Parenthood, said that Chlamydia produces about 70 percent of their cases, and that it’s the second- most common communicable disease next to the common cold.

“It produces very few symptoms but it can cause a whole bunch of other things if untreated,” Ham said.

Untreated Chlamydia cases in women increase the risk for infertility, pelvic infl ammatory disease and complications during childbirth, Ham said.

Diaz said that Chlamydia rates in Kittitas County have increased between 1992 and 2008 at a rate of about 6 percent per year.

Ham said that it’s easier to test for STIs than it was in the past, so it can be assumed that more students are getting tested.

“The technology is way better now,” Ham said. “All we need is a urine sample.”

Kittitas County, according to estimated 2008 U.S. Census data, has a population of 38,951. Since the area is relatively small, case counts are small compared to surrounding counties.

Between 2007 and 2008, the rate for Chlamydia for ages 15-24 in Kittitas County (per 100,000 population) is 823.4, and 207.1 for ages 25 to 44. This is compared to a Washington state rate of 1,426 and 318.1, respectively. Chlamydia cases for the upper and lower age brackets are so low that the department won’t release the data for confi – dentiality reasons.

A similar finding showed that the only figures reported for the Herpes virus were from the 15-24 age bracket. the data for all the other age brackets hasn’t been released for confidentiality.

Ham said that compared to STI rates in surrounding areas, such as Yakima, Grant or Benton counties, Kittitas County has a very low rate of STIs overall.

“We’re pretty good – that’s not to say it can’t get any better,” Ham said.

Central picture unclear

Diaz said the county doesn’t have a clear picture of the situation with Central students with STIs. Non-resident students who use a home address when being tested for an infection will have their information reported to their respective home counties.

“A lot of people aren’t even aware that doctors are required to report that information to the health department,” Diaz said.

Ham credited the relatively low rates to Planned Parenthood’s attempts to reach out to students on campus, through programs like Central VOX (which meets regularly on campus to educate and inform students on the dangers of STIs), and by holding regular classes and residence hall programs.

Kittitas County’s Planned Parenthood is one of several non-profi t organizations feeling the strain of recent budget cuts in Washington state. last February, however, the organization and volunteers helped stop a proposed $3 million cut to the state Department of Health’s family planning division.

The effort was spurred by this year’s Planned Parenthood Lobby Day, an annual trek to the state capital to lobby for various family planning-related issues.

This year, about 250 volunteers took a bus to Olympia to protest budget cuts, 16 of them from Kittitas County.

“The people of Washington thought this was an important issue,” Ham said. “Not only did we not get cut, but we also got funds reinstated. That’s a pretty big deal.”

Kittitas Health Department

The health department is also in charge of counseling patients with STIs, and educating students.

“What we do here is facilitate early partner treatment and data collection,” said Linda Navarre, county public health nurse and community health services supervisor. “The real problem we’re dealing with is preventing the spread of STIs. the whole plan is for earlier treatment.”

Other Central students acknowledge the prevalence of STIs on campus, and agree that preventative measures should be taken.

“I am concerned about being in a relationship where we’re not honest about our past,” said Amanda Kieser, freshman psychology major. Kieser’s last partner was tested for STIs with her insistence.

Lacey Yanez, senior English education major, said she doesn’t need to worry much about issues with STIs as she and her boyfriend have been together for almost six years.

“Communication is the key,” Yanez said.

Landis Pederson, sophomore undeclared, said he believes there is always a concern about STIs when attending a university.

“I haven’t had any problems, though,” Pederson said. “Condoms, that’s pretty much it.”

GONORRHEAMETHODS OF TRANSMISSION – Can be spread through contact with the penis, vagina, mouth or anus. Ejaculation does not have to occur for it to be transmitted.

SYMPTOMS – the carrier may not have any signs or symptoms. Men may experience a burning sensation when urinating, discharge from the penis and sometimes painful or swollen testicles Women may mistake gonorrhea for a bladder or vaginal infection. Symptoms include burning sensation when urinating, increased vaginal discharge, or vaginal bleeding between periods.

GENITAL HERPESMETHODS OF TRANSMISSION – Can be found in and released from the sores that the virus causes, but are also released between outbreaks from skin that does not appear to have a sore.

SYMPTOMS – Most people infected with genital herpes are not aware of their infection. Carriers may experience a crop of sores, and fl u-like symptoms, including fever and swollen glands. of genital herpes can expect to have several outbreaks within a year.

CHLAMYDIAMETHODS OF TRANSMISSION – Transmitted during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

SYMPTOMS – Men may experience discharge from the penis, burning sensation when urinating, and burning and itching around the opening of the penis. Women may experience abnormal vaginal discharge, a burning sensation when urinating, lower abdominal pain, low back pain, nausea, fever, pain during intercourse, or bleeding between menstrual periods. the virus can also be found in the throats of women and men having oral sex with an infected partner

ResourcesIf you believe you may have a STI, contact one of the following resources.

Kittitas County Planned Parenthood509-925-7113413 N Pine St.Ellensburg, Wash.plannedparenthood.org

Kittitas County Public HealthDepartment509-962-7515507 Nanum St. #102Ellensburg, Wash.co.kittitas.wa.us/health

CWU Wellness Center509-963-3213SURC 139cwu.edu/~wellness

CWU Student Health and Counseling Services509-963-1881On campus at the corner of 11thand Poplarcwu.edu/~shcc