Dr. Rob Killian just posted this note on Capitol Hill Medical Clinic’s Facebook page. Infection rates for syphilis are DOUBLE what they were in 2008 and gonorrhea infections are more common and harder to treat.
I have received an updated report from Dr. Matt Golden about two significant happenings among our community in King County.
First: at current rates the number of Syphilis cases among MSM in King County will be double what they were in 2008. This means that if you have not been tested recently you should get tested and treated ASAP. Remember that Syphilis can be transmitted to your partner through saliva, by skin to skin touching at the site of infection and through exposure to semen or blood.
We have to work hard to end this epidemic.
Second and More importantly a new strain of Gonorrhea is being found more commonly in the area within our community. This means this STD is getting harder to cure, has less medications that work on it and that we must use the best and most powerful medications we can to get rid of any identified cases. KCPHD is working hard to discover what drugs fully treat this Gonorrhea. They are currently asking that anyone at risk, regardless of symptoms come in for screening any orifice that may be at risk for this infection with the latest testing techniques.
If you do not have insurance there is the STD Clinic, but both Dr. Chu, our partner, David Holt, ARNP, are up on this issue and I, as well, will make myself available for this urgent screening of our patients at Capitol Hill Medical. We will keep the community updated as we know more.
Here are community resources for STD screening in Seattle:
Public Health STD Clinic
Ninth and Jefferson Building
908 Jefferson St, 11th Floor
Seattle, WA
Phone: 206-744-3590Walk-in clinic for STD evaluation/treatment and HIV testing
Monday, Wednesday-Friday, 8:00 am – 6:30 pm
Tuesday, 9:30 am – 6:30 pm
Registration opens at 7:45 am.If you need to be seen later than 4 p.m. please talk to our staff to make sure we are still accepting patients for the day.
Fees are based on income using a sliding scale. NO PERSON WILL BE DENIED SERVICE BECAUSE OF INABILITY TO PAY. Patients may be charged a minimum fee of $15. Fees will be discussed with the provider you see.
Gay City Health Project
511 E. Pike
[between Belmont & Summit]
Testing is free, with donations gladly accepted. Se habla español.Appointments
To schedule an appointment, please call 206.860.6969 or stop by during business hours. Due to high demand, making an appointment is recommended.Current Walk-In Times
Walk-ins for HIV testing are offered on a first come, first served basis:
Tuesday – Friday
beginning at 3:00PM
Saturdays
beginning at 1PM
– Michael Strangeways
