Notifications of infectious diseases received in the Department of Public Health (East) in 2010 compared to 2011

Sexual Transmitted Infections (STI)  

€120 (includes HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea

Performed Mon - Thurs 8.30am - 7pm and Fri 8.30am - 1.30pm 

• Any sexually active person may be exposed to STI
• STIs are common. Many infections remain dormant. People with STI may look and feel healthy
• STIs could be passed through blood, blood transfusion, body piercing, sharing needles, tattoing, sex, bodily fluid such as semen.
• STI testing are simple and include testing for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea
• Most treatments are simple and painless

Male STI testing involves:

• Blood Test
• Urethral sample from penis
• +/- Urine sample

Female STI testing involves:

• Blood test
• Vaginal / cervical sample
• +/- Urine sample
•  

HIV     

Human Immunodeficiency Virus

People with HIV may have no symptoms   

Spread through blood, blood transfusion, body piercing, sharing needles,  tattooing, sex, bodily fluid such as semen.

HEPATITIS B

Attacks liver and is extremely infectious.

Contracted through blood, blood transfusion, body piercing , sharing needles, tattooing, sex, bodily fluid such as semen.

CHLAMYDIA

Known as a silent infection. 80% of women have no symptoms. If not treated could cause testicular infection, infertility, miscarriage, ectopic pregnanacy, pelvic infection etc. In women could cause vaginal discharge, abdominal pain, bleeding between period or after sexual intercourse and pain passing urine. In men may cause penile discharge and pain passing urine.

Gonorrohea   

Female            80% of women are symptom free, however could cause vaginal discharge, painful urination and     vaginal discharge.

Male                Over 90% could have symptoms such as penile discharge and painful urination easily treated with antibiotics.

Trichomonas  

Men                 Often have no symptoms

Female            Frothy vaginal discharge, itch, painful urination.  Treated with antibiotics.

Syphillis         

Stage 1 -          Sores in genital area

Stage 2 -         Possible rash and flu like symptoms

Stage 3-          If left untreated could cause damage to the heart, brain and vital organs.

Genital warts             

Painless lumps around the genital area, could be treated using freezing or special liquids or cream.  Certain types of genital warts are assoicated with cervical cancer so regular cervical smear is recommened.

Herpes (Herpes simplex virus - similar to common cold sore)

Painful blisters or ulcers in the genital area, may cause painful urination and flu symptoms.  No specific cure however antiviral tablets promote healing

Thrush ( Candidiasis)

• Caused by fungal / yeast infection
• Could affect men and women
• may be associated with vaginal / penile itch
• may cause white thick vaginal discharge
• once diagnosed could easily be treated

Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

• Caused by bacteria
• associated with vaginal discharge that could have fishy odour
• treated with specific antibiotics