Content Information
A. Purpose of Surveillance and Reporting
- To monitor trends in gonorrhea diagnoses and prevalence so that prevention and treatment funds may be targeted efficiently, and prevention programs may be evaluated.
- To monitor perinatal exposures to gonorrhea and morbidity in infants born with gonorrhea.
- To monitor trends in antimicrobial resistant gonorrhea to ensure appropriate treatment has been provided to the infected individual.
- To interrupt disease transmission chains by providing risk reduction counseling and partner notification and referral services to persons recently diagnosed with gonorrhea.
B. Laboratory and Healthcare Provider Reporting Requirements
Iowa Administrative Code 641-1.3(139A) stipulates that the laboratory and healthcare provider must report. The Sexually Transmitted Disease reporting number for IDPH is (515) 281-3031.
Healthcare providers must complete an “Iowa Confidential Report of Sexually Transmitted Disease” morbidity form within 3 days of a positive N. gonorrhoeae diagnosis. Healthcare providers should provide the name, date of birth, sex, pregnancy status (for women), race/ethnicity, home address, phone number, and treatment information for each reported case. In addition, Iowa Code 139A allows for reporting of partner names, addresses, and treatment information for health department follow up.
Morbidity forms and postage-paid envelopes are available for order.
They are also available by phoning the STD Program. Fax completed forms to the STD Program at: (515) 281-0466. Alternatively, they may be mailed to the address below:
Iowa HHS
Bureau of HIV, STD, and Hepatitis (00)
321 East 12th Street, 5th Floor
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075
C. Local Public Health Agency Follow-up Responsibilities
Case Investigation
Risk reduction counseling and partner notification/referral services will be provided by Disease Prevention Specialists employed by the Iowa Department of Public Health, or by Black Hawk, Linn, Polk or Scott County Health Departments.