County recognizes Sexually Transmitted Infections Awareness Week, 2024

April 9, 2024

SOLANO COUNTY – The Solano County Health & Social Services, Public Health division, will join communities worldwide to observe Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Awareness Week beginning April 14 through April 20, 2024. STI Awareness Week raises awareness about the global impacts of STIs, normalizes sexual health by reducing STI-related barriers of stigma, fear and discrimination, as well as increases access to quality STI prevention, education, testing and treatment. While certain populations are at higher risk for STIs, it can affect anyone regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation. 

You Can Get Syphilis or other STIs More Than Once
In Solano County, 3,656 cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis were reported in 2021. Having syphilis or other STIs once does not protect you from getting it again. Even after successful treatment, you can get an STI again. STIs can pass from one person to another through vaginal, oral or anal sex. STIs often do not show symptoms or may only cause mild symptoms such as syphilis sores, which can be painless and show up in areas of the body that can be hard to see, like under the foreskin, in the vagina, anus, or mouth. Therefore, it is possible to have an STI infection and not know it. 

If left untreated, STIs can lead to long-term health consequences such as infertility, increased risk of HIV transmission and mortality. For these important reasons, it is very important that all adults and adolescents between the ages of 13 and 64 years old get tested for STIs and HIV at least once as a part of routine healthcare. Only laboratory tests can confirm whether you have syphilis or other STIs. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider to receive STI tests that are right for you and your partner(s). 

Most STIs Are Curable or Can Be Managed Through Medications
Many STIs can be easily diagnosed and treated by antibiotics or antiviral medications prescribed by your healthcare provider. However, some viral infections, such as Hepatitis B, herpes, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) are incurable but can be managed with treatment and medication. If you or your partner(s) receive a positive test result, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider to start immediate treatment for yourself and partner(s) simultaneously to prevent potential re-infection. 

Protecting Yourself and Your Baby from Syphilis
Syphilis is an STI that can cause serious health problems if not treated and is contracted through direct contact with a syphilis sore or rash during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Congenital syphilis occurs when a pregnant individual with syphilis passes the infection to their child during pregnancy or delivery, and can cause severe health complications including premature birth, low birth weight, birth defects, blindness, hearing loss, stillbirth, or mortality. During 2012 to 2021, California has observed a significant increase in syphilis among females and a significant increase in congenital syphilis, reaching the highest number of reported cases since 1992. 

Most pregnant females who give birth to infants with CS received prenatal care late in pregnancy or not at all. If you are pregnant or might be pregnant, it is important to see your healthcare provided regularly for routine prenatal care. Getting tested for syphilis and other STIs is also part of routine prenatal care. Pregnant individuals are advised to get syphilis testing at their first prenatal visit, again during the third trimester and at delivery. Be sure to get your syphilis results and follow any medical advice at that time. 

“Get Yourself Tested” Campaign
Solano Public Health’s STI Prevention Program is partnering with leading community-based organizations and institutions to implement a countywide STI & HIV outreach and testing initiative, providing free, confidential rapid HIV testing as well as condoms and lubricant to communities in Solano County through the mobile HIV van. This testing initiative will launch during Solano Pride Center’s Testing Tuesday Event on April 16 from 4 – 7 p.m. at 1234 Empire Street in Fairfield. Free, confidential HIV testing and mpox vaccinations will be offered at the event as well as condoms, lubricant, and other STI and HIV prevention resources. To learn more about resources available in Solano County, visit Solano Public Health’s STD & HIV Testing and Prevention page. 

For More Information
The County’s Family Health Services (FHS) clinics provide low cost screenings and treatment for STIs such as syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea. You can schedule a STI screening by calling (707) 784-2010 or walk into any of the three clinic locations in Vallejo, Fairfield, or Vacaville. For FHS Clinic hours and locations, click here.