Sexually Transmitted Disease Program

Humboldt County Syphilis Cases by year: increase from 5 cases in 2015 to 75 cases in 2021 2015: 5 cases 2016: 17 cases 2017: 40 cases 2018: 49 cases 2019: 49 cases 2020: 33 cases 2021: 75 cases.

Congenital Syphilis is back in Humboldt County after disappearing for more than 10 years. 

Health officials are encouraging anyone who has been sexually active to get a sexually transmitted infection (STI) test at least once a year.

Congenital syphilis (CS) is a preventable disease that occurs when a pregnant person with syphilis passes the infection on to the baby during pregnancy. CS can lead to low birth weight, premature birth, birth defects, miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death.

  1. STD Program
  2. STD Myths vs. Facts
  3. Provider Information

STD Program

The Public Health Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) program works together with local health care partners, county residents and other organizations to help keep residents healthy and safe from STIs. Most STIs do not have symptoms. The STD program is designed to help reduce and manage the spread of infections by locating and interviewing contacts to diagnose cases of select STIs and to ensure that appropriate care and treatment are provided. All STD program services are conducted with respect for patient privacy.

STI/HIV Testing Services 


What does an STI test consist of?
Many people mistakenly think an STI test only requires a urine sample. However, STIs can affect other parts of the body. A full test should consist of:

  • A urine sample
  • A blood draw – Syphilis can only be detected this way
  • An oral and/or rectal swab (if those body parts are used for sex)

It is important to ask your provider to test you for STIs with a blood draw and swab, if you are not offered these during your visit. Most STIs are either treatable or curable.

Testing Options in Humboldt County


Planned Parenthood
707-442-5700
plannedparenthood.org

Open Door Community Health Centers
707-441-1624
707-269-7073 (for members services to establish care)
opendoorhealth.com

Cal Poly Humboldt Student Health & Wellbeing Services (for CPH students only)
707-826-3146
wellbeing.humboldt.edu

Sexual Health and Family Planning Clinic
529 I St., Eureka
707-268-2108 
PHClinic@co.humboldt.ca.us
Sexual Health and Family Planning Clinic at humboldtgov.org

Public Health North Coast AIDS Project (NorCAP)
707-268-2132
cell: 707-599-6318
908 Seventh St., Eureka
freehivtest@co.humboldt.ca.us
NorCAP at humboldtgov.org

Tell a partner anonymously
Informing your sexual partners they have been exposed to an STI is the responsible and moral thing to do. It may be difficult, but our team can teach you or do it for you. It is 100% anonymous. No names, no locations, no hassle.  

Just call 707-268-2197 or 707-268-2182 and ask to speak to a Communicable Disease Nurse. You can also visit tellyourpartner.org to send an anonymous email or text to let your partner know they should get tested.

PrEP
PrEP is a once a day pill that is effective to prevent HIV. Ask your health care provider about PrEP or try an online resource. 

For more information and resources on PrEP visit:   
cdc.gov/hiv/basics/prep.html
heymistr.com
readysetprep.hiv.gov 

STI vs. STD - What is the difference?
The term sexually transmitted disease (STD) suggests some obvious signs or symptoms; however the truth is many STDs or STIs (sexually transmitted infections) often have no signs or symptoms but can still result in “disease” as well as be transmitted during sex. Given possible misperceptions and concerns about the stigma many people feel regarding having a “disease”, many Public Health officials have shifted to use of the term sexually transmitted “infection”.