HIV & STI Information for Providers

STD and STIs spread by sexual contact

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also called sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are illnesses spread by sexual contact. There are many types of STDs. While most STDs can be treated, all STDs can be prevented. The most common in County are:

  • Chlamydia.
  • Gonorrhea.
  • Herpes.
  • Syphilis.

Many people are not aware that they have an STD. Infected people can spread disease unconsciously, as symptoms are not always obvious. 

Providers are encouraged to provide EPT.

Expedited partner therapy (EPT) helps control the spread of infection. EPT is giving medicine to an infected person’s sex partners without examining them first. This helps prevent reinfection of the patient and prevents further transmission by partners.

EPT is permissible in Washington in many cases of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. Providers can find out more about EPT from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and by contacting the Health Department. 

Reporting Requirements

Healthcare providers and facilities must report AIDS, HIV and most other sexually transmitted infections to the Health Department within three working days.

There are two ways to report an infection:

Complete an HIV/AIDS case report form and

  1. Fax it to (253) 649-1389.
  2. Or mail it to Washington State Department of Health, Assessment Unit, PO Box 47838, Olympia, WA 98504-7838.

Resources

Treatment guidelines

Disease information

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)

Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT)

Tools for working with patients

Latest announcements

COVID-19 Related

Treatment Guidelines

HIV/AIDS

Disease Information

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis

Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT)

Tools for Working with Patients