d. Personal Hygiene. Despite the emphasis which may be placed on the moral
aspects of sexual conduct, it is virtually impossible to legislate morality. Many soldiers
are completely unreceptive to the concept of abstinence or to restricting their sexual
relations to one person. Therefore, the only way to reach these individuals is a STD
prevention program is through education in personal hygiene measures. The condom,
if used properly, affords effective protection against STD. However, it is not always
used properly, if at all. Soldiers should be taught that urinating and thorough washing of
the genitalia soon after intercourse will afford protection to some degree. The combined
use of the condom and personal hygiene should be emphasized and encouraged.
e. Contact Tracing. One of the most effective public health measures against
sexually transmitted disease is tracing sources and contacts of known cases and
bringing them under treatment. The commander of the medical treatment facility where
the disease is diagnosed is responsible for promptly obtaining complete identifying
information concerning all individuals with whom an STD patient may have had an
infectious contact.
(1) Interviewing. A patient whose illness is diagnosed as a sexually
transmitted disease is interviewed by a trained venereal disease contact interviewer and
urged to provide information about those persons from whom he could possibly have
contracted the disease and persons with whom he has had sexual contact since
becoming infected. In the interview, he is apprised of the nature of his infection, the
manner in which it is transmitted, and the necessity for his cooperation in the
curtailment of the disease.
(2) Contact reporting. When a patient reports a civilian contact, a separate
report, on each contact is transmitted to the health officer of the state in which the
contact resides or is presumed to reside. Speed is essential in the tracing of contacts
because of the manner in which STD spreads, therefore, it is incumbent upon the
medical officer acting for the commander to assure prompt initiation and transmission of
the Venereal Disease Epidemiologic Report. This report constitutes a medical record of
a privileged nature and the source of the information (patient) is not identified on the
forms submitted. Following the investigation and disposition of the contact, the civilian
health agency reports its findings to the originating installation through the Army area
surgeon.
(3) Receiving contact reports. Reports received from civilian health
agencies of alleged contacts among Army personnel or employees are investigated,
and indicated examinations and treatment are performed. The reporting agency is
informed of the action taken as appropriate.
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