Spatial Distribution of Adolescents with Sexually Transmitted Infections Diagnosed in the Pediatric Emergency Departments of Washington, DC

Introduction Utilization of local surveillance data has been shown to help risk stratify patients presenting to the emergency department presenting with GAS pharyngitis or meningitis. (1, 2) Adolescents frequently present to the emergency department (ED) with symptoms that may be associated with a sexually transmitted infection (STI). (3) When ED providers perceive high local rates of STI and low rates of follow-up, empiric treatment is considered. This strategy may result in unnecessary treatment. Knowledge of the local spatial distribution of adolescents with STIs diagnosed in local pediatric emergency departments EDs may enhance risk stratification and allow targeted testing and/or treatment among future ED patients in whom STI is considered.