SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES ON THE RISE
  • Nationwide, reported cases of
    chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis have increased for the first time since 2006.
  • The rate of chlamydia cases nationwide
    is up 2.8 percent since 2013. Rates of primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis
    – the most infectious stages of syphilis – and gonorrhea have both increased
    since 2013, by 15.1 percent and 5.1 percent, respectively.
  • Young people between the ages of 15
    and 24 accounted for the highest rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea in 2014 and
    almost two thirds of all reported cases.
  • Reported cases of chlamydia in Mesa
    County have been decreasing since 2010, but gonorrhea has been on the rise since
    2011.
  • Nearly 40 percent of Mesa County high
    school students report having ever had sexual intercourse. 
  • Youth are not likely to be tested and
    therefore don’t know they are infected.
  • Prevention, testing and safe practices
    are the best ways to protect yourself against STDs.
  • Mesa County Health Department
    offers STD testing for rapid HIV, herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B,
    hepatitis C and syphilis. Pap tests include HPV screening, as well. Call
    248-6900 to make an appointment.
  • Western Colorado
    AIDS Project
    offers free walk-in testing for HIV and hepatitis C every
    Monday and Thursday from 1 – 5 p.m. Free testing is available by appointment
    during regular business hours Monday through Thursday. Call 243-8594 to make an
    appointment.
  •  

flu vaccinations
  • Mesa County Health Department has
    given a total of 1,600 flu vaccinations since July of this year and has worked
    with 31 businesses to make sure employees are vaccinated.
  • Mesa County hasn’t had any
    hospitalized flu cases this year, but eight people have been hospitalized statewide
    due to flu.
  • Getting the flu vaccination protects
    not only yourself, but those around you with immune-compromised conditions.
  • Symptoms of influenza can include
    fever, chills, sweats, headache, fatigue, coughing and body aches.
  • In addition to the flu vaccination, practice
    good handwashing, stay home when sick, and cover your cough and sneezes to stay
    healthy.  
  • Flu shots are available at the Mesa
    County Health Department by appointment. Call 248-6900 for more information.