title: Partner notification in the control of human immunodeficiency virus infection.
abstract: Partner notification should be standard public health practice in the control of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. A universal partner notification program for the United States is affordable, operationally manageable, and can effectively reach high-risk persons. Such a focused approach personalizes the epidemic and probably enhances the efficacy of risk reduction messages. Confidentiality protections are attainable. Voluntary partner notification is acceptable to our constituents; while counseling is "mandatory," testing is optional. Evidence of partner notification's usefulness as a case prevention tool should be a by-product of program outcomes and not a prerequisite for its implementation.
authors.affiliation: El Paso County Health Department, Colorado Springs.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Potterat
authors.forename: N E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Spencer
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Woodhouse
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Muth
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy / Q000635:transmission*; D003219:Confidentiality; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012747:Sexual Partners; D014481:United States; D035141:Voluntary Programs