Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)

Per the CDC, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) is a virus, bacteria, fungus, or parasite people can get through sexual contact. Many STIs have no symptoms, so people can have an infection but not know it.

A sexually transmitted disease (STD) develops because of an STI and the term implies that the infection has led to some symptom of disease. The primary goal of public health and healthcare is to prevent and treat infections before they develop into disease.

For a comprehensive list of STI/STD’s, visit the CDC website here.

Mpox

What is Mpox?

Mpox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Mpox virus is part of the same family of viruses as smallpox. Mpox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder and mpox is rarely fatal. Mpox is not related to chickenpox.

Symptoms

Flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, swollen lymph nodes and fatigue. These symptoms may occur before or after the rash appears, or not at all.
A rash that
- can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other body parts like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus.
- The rash goes through different stages before healing completely.
- View examples of mpox rashes here.
The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.

How is Mpox Spread?

Mpox is spread through close, physical contact between individuals. This includes:

Direct contact with mpox sores or rashes on an individual who has mpox.
Respiratory droplets or oral fluids from someone with mpox, particularly for those who have close contact with someone or are around them for a long period of time.
It can also be spread through contact with objects or fabrics (e.g., clothing, bedding, towels) that have been used by someone with mpox.
Call the Chautauqua County Health Department at 716-753-4491 if you have had a recent exposure to a suspected or confirmed mpox case, within the past 14 days.

Prevention

Ask your sexual partners whether they have a rash or other symptoms consistent with mpox.
Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox.
Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with mpox.
Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with mpox.
Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with mpox.
Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with mpox.
Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
In Central and West Africa, avoid contact with animals that can spread mpox virus, usually rodents and primates. Also, avoid sick or dead animals, as well as bedding or other materials they have touched.
If you are sick with mpox:
- Isolate at home
- If you have an active rash or other symptoms, stay in a separate room or area away from people or pets you live with, when possible.

Information about Mpox and vaccine can be found at the CDC’s website.

Community Partners:

The Chautauqua Center (TCC) provides reproductive services including contraceptives, birth control, pregnancy testing, education, counseling, Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) testing and treatment, HIV testing and HPV vaccination services for people of reproductive age, regardless of sexual orientation/preference, ability to pay, or race.

JAMESTOWN:
The Chautauqua Center (TCC)
107 Institute St.
Jamestown, NY 14701
Call for an appointment
(716) 484-4334