O9 Beyond medical management: the value of public health control measures in response to a high risk MSM sexually transmitted infection cluster

Abstract

<h3>Background/introduction</h3> In April 2014, detailed partner notification of a male patient with acute HIV, Chlamydia and gonorrhoea identified 27 different men linked to a single residential address, having listed it as their own contact address or by being the sexual partner of someone who had. Of the 27, several had attended GU services in the preceding three months with features common to their presentations including: high STI rates, selling of sex, adult film work, sex parties, chemsex, use of PEP and HIV seroconversion in the previous 12 months. <h3>Methods</h3> The outbreak control team included a health adviser, GUM consultant, PHE health protection specialist and local authority public health. An implementation strategy was developed with immediate control measures and longer term service planning and development. A literature search established an STI outbreak linked to a single household to be a new precedent. <h3>Results</h3> Immediate control measures: Outreach visit to and confidential inquiries of the residence Targeted messages on MSM apps Assuring consistent use of Treatment as Prevention MDT education on current MSM trends with enhanced training for health advisers Addition of a drugs worker clinic Service development: GU clinic needle exchange Improved electronic patient record data output Comprehensive analysis of local MSM population Improved engagement with commissioning and drug/alcohol services <h3>Discussion/conclusion</h3> As the trend of chemsex and sex parties continues, it is likely there will be an increase in STIs linked to households. Better geospatial analysis of STI trends and collaborative working with public health is essential for rapid identification and control of outbreaks.