open sores develop on the skin in the groin area. The disease may last for years and
cause general ill health.
1-35. CONTROL OF VENEREAL DISEASE
Control measures consist primarily of preventing the spread of the disease and
treating those persons with the disease. The best methods of avoiding venereal
disease are abstaining from sexual contact and having sexual contact with only one
partner. Some other methods of attempting to control the spread of venereal disease
are given below.
a. Personal Hygiene. An individual can minimize the chance of being infected
by observing the following simple personal protective measures:
(1) Prophylaxis. The use of a rubber prophylactic (condom) affords a
reasonably good protection against venereal disease for both males and females since
it provides physical separation of the sex organs. Women should insist upon it since
there is no other practical mechanical device that will protect them from contamination
by male secretions.
(2) Urination. Urination immediately following sexual intercourse is
considered to be of some value in flushing venereal disease organisms out of the
urinary tract. This applies both to males and females.
(3) Washing. Thorough washing of the genitals with soap and water after
intercourse may reduce the probability of acquiring a venereal disease infection for
males and females. Vaginal douching after intercourse, however is not recommended,
since the washing action may actually push the disease organisms further into the
female organs.
b. Early Detection and Treatment. With adequate early treatment,
hospitalization of infected persons is rarely necessary. Complete recovery is almost
certain in most cases. Any person who has a genital sore, a urethral discharge, or a
skin rash should be advised to report to a medical treatment facility. Self-treatment or
treatment by other than professional medical practitioners is extremely dangerous and
must not be attempted. Contracting venereal disease is not a cause for disciplinary
action, but failing to report for proper medical treatment can result in disciplinary action.
c. Contact Investigation. When a case of venereal disease is reported or
diagnosed, the infected individual is interviewed immediately by a trained interviewer.
The purpose of the contact interview is to identify and locate all contacts from whom or
to whom the disease could have been transmitted. Close cooperation with civil
authorities is necessary in most cases to trace and locate contacts. When located,
these contacts are advised that they have been exposed to the disease and are urged
to seek examination and treatment. It is stressed to the person being interviewed that
all information given is for the use of health authorities only and will be held in strict
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