Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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St. Louis Post-Dispatch (12.21.07) - Thursday, December 20, 2007
Blythe Bernhard
CDC reports that at least 11 other states have already approved bills permitting expedited partner therapy. The Missouri law, however, would only apply to cities or counties where rates of the diseases significantly exceed the US average. St. Louis leads the nation in rates of both diseases.
"[Patients] are continuously transmitting this disease back and forth, and if they're treated, it will help wipe this out and keep our numbers down," said Rep. Juanita Head Walton (D- North St. Louis County), the measure's sponsor.
A 2006 CDC report identified some problems with the approach. It said unexamined patients may have other health issues that need treatment, and they might be allergic to antibiotics. Also, patients who do not present in person cannot be counseled about preventing future infections. Even so, CDC found the technique useful.
"We really have an extraordinary situation, and we think this is one more tool that would help us address it," said Michael P. Williams, the St. Louis County Department of Health's director of communicable disease control. He said the department is anxious to begin expedited partner therapy if the bill becomes law.
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