| Abstract | Sexually Transmitted infections (STIs) are a major public health concern. Their increasing incidence and associated complications place a significant burden on existing GUM services. Recently reported STI outbreaks signify a failure in public health control measures, for which proactive planning and coordination of disease control interventions are required. This guidance on the management of STI outbreaks was written to help improve the control and prevention of STI outbreaks at local and regional levels and is written primarily for Public Health Specialists, CCDCs (Consultants in Communicable Disease Control), Directors of Public Health, GUM Physicians and Regional Epidemiologists. The guidance outlines the principles of outbreak investigation and proposes a framework for districts to approach the management of local STI outbreaks. The guidance also highlights the roles of the key players, with suggestions for establishing formal working relationships. The guidance has been produced by the PHLS in consultation with the Association of Genitourinary Medicine (AGUM), the Public Health Medicine Environmental Group (PHMEG), and the Medical Society for the Study of Venereal Diseases (MSSVD). |