REPORTING OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES (STDs) - NOT INCLUDING HIV

For reports of STDs, please complete both the general section of the DHMH-1140 morbidity report and the STD specific section below it. Maryland law and regulation require reporting of syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia by both laboratories and health care providers. The dual reporting system is intentional - the clinical and demographic information you provide (which is normally unavailable from laboratories) enables the health department to better monitor disease trends. Complete all of the demographic information on the laboratory form.

PREVENTING CONGENITAL SYPHILIS

In accordance with Health-General §18-307 and COMAR 10.06.01.17(D), all pregnant women shall be screened serologically for syphilis a minimum of two times during their prenatal visits:

1. at the first prenatal visit, and
2. in the third trimester at 28 weeks of gestation or as soon as possible thereafter.

In addition, women from high prevalence communities or who are at high risk for STDs should also be tested at the time of delivery. Any woman who delivers a stillborn infant after 20 weeks gestation should also be tested. (CDC, Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines 2002. MMWR 2002;51, No. RR-6, p. 25)

STD SERVICES AND TREATMENT SCHEDULES

The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) and the local health departments located in each of Maryland's 24 jurisdictions have well trained, experienced and available personnel to provide a full range of services to individuals testing positive for sexually transmitted infections. Services include counseling, education, partner notification and routine screening and medical evaluation of partners, while at the same time adhering to the strictest measures of confidentiality. If you have a patient who recently tested positive for an STD and would like assistance in providing the optimal range of services available, and comprehensive prevention and case management for your clients and their respective partners, please contact your local health department. Current recommended treatment schedules for syphilis, HIV, and other sexually transmitted diseases are available from your local health department. For more information, see the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's "Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines 2002," MMWR Recommendations and Reports May 10, 2002, Vol.51, No. RR-6, available at http://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/TOC2002TG.htm.

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health provides free, confidential treatment for STDs through a voucher system. A voucher issued by the Department can be taken to certain providers who provide STD treatment under contract. To find out more or to refer patients, call the Communicable Diseases program at 410-222-7382.