The New Madrid County Health Department provides screening and treatment for the following (STD's) Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and HIV. If you would like to be tested for STD's, please call the Health Department at (573) 748-5541 to set up an appointment. Client must meet certain criteria in order to be tested. Call the New Madrid County Health Department at 573-748-5541 for more information about these screenings.
GONORRHEA
DEFINITION
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease that is most common in people ages 15 to 30; many of those infected with gonorrhea also have chlamydia. Gonorrhea is caused by a bacterium known as Neisseria gonorrhoeae
SYMPTOMS
MALES: Most infected men have symptoms, which can include a milky discharge from the penis and burning sensation upon urination.
FEMALES: Most women have no symptoms; if symptoms are present, there is often a vaginal discharge and/or painful urination.
MALE/FEMALE: Rectal: itching, pain and discharge with blood or pus. Oral: sore throat, swollen glands.
TREATMENT: Can cure with antibiotic therapy. If not treated can cause serious health problems.
CHLAMYDIA
DEFINITION
Chlamydia is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease in the country. It is caused by a bacterium known as Chlamydia Trachomatis and is often without symptoms. Chlamydia is frequently diagnosed in teenagers and young adults.
SYMPTOMS
MALES: Infected men commonly have no symptoms; if symptoms are present, there is often a watery or milky discharge from the penis and a burning sensation upon urination.
FEMALES: Infected women commonly show no symptoms; if symptoms are present, there is most often vaginal discharge and/or bleeding; low abdominal pain and painful urination.
MALE/FEMALE: Rectal: Pain, itching and discharge with blood or pus.
TREATMENT: Can be cured with antibiotic therapy. If not treated can cause serious health problems.
SYPHILIS
DEFINITION
A sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacterium known as Treponema pallidum that may be transmitted sexually for from mother to child before or at the time of birth (congenital syphilis)
SYMPTOMS
PRIMARY STAGE: Small painless sore where organism enters the body (genital, oral or rectal); in women the sore may be internal and go unnoticed.
SECONDARY STAGE: Rash that can involve the palms and soles of the feet; swollen lymph glands, fever, and painless sores often found in the mouth.
LATENT STAGE: Patient does not have symptoms-stage could last for years.
LATE STAGE: If left untreated can cause damage to the brain, or heart, blindness and/ or death.
TREATMENT: Can cure with antibiotic therapy.