The St. Lawrence County Public Health Department is notifying local college campuses of a significant increase in the number of sexually transmitted infections (STI) reported across four campuses in St. Lawrence County, specifically an increase in cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea. Both infections are bacterial and can be treated with antibiotics when identified. It is also important to note many individuals who are positive with an STI will be asymptomatic, but still able to transmit infection to partners.
We encourage all students to consider the following:
Use Barrier Protection: Using a condom correctly every time you have sex can help you avoid STIs. Condoms lessen the risk of infection for all STIs. You still can get certain STIs, like herpes or HPV, from contact with your partner’s skin even when using a condom.
Have Fewer Partners: Agree to only have sex with one person who agrees to only have sex with you. Make sure you both get tested to know for sure that neither of you has an STI. This is one of the most reliable ways to avoid STIs.
Talk With Your Partner(s): Talk with your sex partner(s) about STIs and staying safe before having sex. It might be uncomfortable to start the conversation, but protecting your health is your responsibility.
Get Tested: Many STIs don’t have symptoms, but they can still cause health problems. Talk with your healthcare provider. The only way to know for sure if you have an STI is to get tested. You should be screened for STIs at least every 90 days if you are having unprotected sex with multiple or new partners.
Testing is available at your student health centers, but you can also find testing at:
Planned Parenthood of Northern NY
- Canton location Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. Call 315-386-8821
- Ogdensburg location – Monday, 8am-5pm. Call 315-393-6544
St. Lawrence County Public Health
- Canton, Tuesday mornings, by appointment only. Call 315-229-3452.
St. Lawrence Health Infectious Disease
- Canton, Call 315-261-5810 for availability.
If You Test Positive: Getting an STI is not the end! Many STIs are curable and all are treatable. If either you or your partner(s) is infected with an STI that can be cured, all need to start treatment immediately to avoid getting re-infected.
Additionally:
New York State has had an increase in cases of MPox (formerly Monkeypox) recently, including among college students on different campuses. MPox spreads through close physical contact, including sexual contact, between two people, and anyone can get Mpox.
Precautions:
- Ask sexual partners whether they have a rash or other symptoms consistent with MPox.
- Avoid skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a rash or other MPox-related symptoms.
- Contact a healthcare provider following exposure or symptoms.
- Get the MPox vaccine, the vaccine is available and encouraged!
- St. Lawrence County Public Health Canton, by appointment only. Call 315-229-3452.
For more information and resources on prevention, testing, and treatment for Sexually Transmitted Infections, visit our website at STI/HIV Program | St. Lawrence County (stlawco.gov) or scan the QR Code:
Sincerely,
Erin Rodriguez-Doyle MPH, LPN
Communicable Disease Specialist
St. Lawrence County Public Health Department
