Which of the following is the first step in preventing further spread

Which of the following is the first step in preventing further spread of a particular sexually transmitted disease (STD)?

a. Have a citywide free screening program in all high schools and colleges
b. Provide public education about safe sex from abstinence to monogamous relationships
c. Require all public facilities to sanitize all restrooms with a stronger, more effective agent
d. Treat each infected person with the appropriate pharmaceutical agent

ESSAYBID ANSWER

ANS: D
Antiinfective drugs, such as antibiotics, antivirals, antiretrovirals, and antimalarials, play important roles in controlling infectious diseases. Not only do they permit recovery of the infected person, but they also play a major role in preventing transmission of the pathogens to another. The first step in preventing transmission of tuberculosis and syphilis is to treat the infected person with antibiotics. Because the question asks about further spread, infection in a person has been diagnosed, so education is needed, but it is too late for that person. Adults not in school also are infected with STDs. A stronger, more effective sanitizing agent would not be the most effective strategy to prevent spread of STDs.