Goal: Reduce the impact of communicable diseases in Stanislaus County.

Why is this important?
Communicable diseases are illnesses caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi that spread from one person to another. These pathogens can be transmitted multiple ways including: ingesting contaminated food or water, breathing contaminated air, or through bites from insects (WHO, n.d.). Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are communicable diseases that can be passed from one person to another through sexual activity not always cause symptoms or may only cause mild symptoms, so it is possible to have an infection and no know it. Left untreated, STDs can lead to long-term complications including blindness, bone deformities, brain damage, cancer, heart disease, infertility, and birth defects (WHO, n.d.). In 2019, a new communicable disease was identified: the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Unlike previously identified coronaviruses that were known to circulate among humans, this virus spreads easily and sustainably in the community and can result in severe illness. While older adults and people with underlying health conditions appear to be at highest risk for severe illness and death, there has not been an industry, region, or community that has not been impacted by COVID-19. (NCIRD, n.d.). Stanislaus County had its first confirmed case of COVID-19 in March 2020. Like communities across the world, COVID-19 has placed strains on local health care systems, resulted in loss of life, and has disparately impacted vulnerable populations within Stanislaus County. During this global pandemic, significant public health resources have been dedicated to identifying transmission trends and implementing prevention strategies to reduce the spread of COVID-19 within the community.

Communicable Disease in Stanislaus County
Rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are increasing in Stanislaus County. In 2017, there were 2,537 cases of chlamydia (40% increase since 2013), 770 cases of gonorrhea (40% increase since 2013), and 121 cases of syphilis (112% increase since 2013) reported in Stanislaus County. Congenital syphilis rates in Stanislaus County Agency, 2020). As of December 31, 2020, Stanislaus County has had 34,465 confirmed cases of COV1D-19 (approximately 6% of the county population), 1,950 hospitalized cases, and 616 deaths. In 2020, there were two observed surges of reported COVID-19 cases; the first in the month of July and second in November. Each surge of cases corresponded with limited hospital bed availability (particularly within the Intensive Care Unit), a rapid increase in outbreaks within businesses and healthcare facilities, and a sizeable increase in the number of deaths among Stanislaus County residents. In December 2020, vaccines for COVID-19 became available in Stanislaus County for eligible residents based on their occupation and age. Expanded vaccine distribution is planned to increase in 2021.

• Sexual risk behaviors: having sex under the influence of alcohol or drugs, multiple sexual partners, and unprotected sex
• Lack of awareness of the importance of screening to detect asymptomatic STDs
• Lack of awareness of resources 
• Lack of prenatal care 
• Stigma and cultural beliefs create a barrier to health seeking behavior, engaging in care, and adherence to treatment
• Lack of resources to adequately implement COVID-19 prevention strategies such as social distancing, face coverings, isolating while sick, testing, and COVID-19 immunization.

This priority area aligns with the following Healthy People 2020 goals:

• STD-1 Reduce the proportion of adolescents and young adults with chlamydia infections.
• STD-6 Reduce gonorrhea rates
• STD-7 Reduce sustained domestic transmission of primary and secondary syphilis
• STD-8 Reduce congenital syphilis
• IID-10 Maintain vaccination coverage levels for children in kindergarten

This priority area also aligns with the California Wellness Plan to:

• Increase child vaccination

This priority also aligns with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act of 2020.

• Strategy 5- Use laboratory data to enhance investigation, response, and prevention
• Strategy 6- Coordinate and engage with partners

• California Department of Public Health
• Community Health Clinics
• Communicable Disease Taskforce
• Education Institutions
• Health Plans
• Infectious Disease Partners
• Local Data