Martha's Case: The Unwelcome Phone Call

You chose 4: that is incorrect.

The correct answer is 2: Yes, because the index case (the partner who left the message her machine) is not her only sexual partner.

Partner notification, treatment and counselling are indicated for any infection or syndrome that is predominantly sexually transmitted. All contacts of persons with curable STI (such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis) should be notified and treated for the same condition.

You will need to discuss the partner notification process with Martha and develop a plan for notifying partners. In the case of a positive test for chlamydia her regular partner and any other sexual partners from at least the last 60 days will need to be notified and treated. Martha may not be happy to hear this because her boyfriend may discover that she has had other sexual contacts. You should counsel Martha on the different ways to approach partner notification. She may tell her boyfriend and other sexual partners on her own, or she may want you or public health authorities to become involved.

Martha may be at risk of further abuse from her boyfriend as a result of this process (remember that he once slapped her because he suspected she was having an affair). You need to address this issue with Martha to ensure her future safety.

To learn more about the partner notification process, click here.