Cases of Chlamydia Increased in 2003
Record Searchlight
Andi Winters
January 20, 2004
2003 saw a steep rise in the number of reported chlamydia cases in Shasta County, California. But that is not necessarily a negative trend, according to Dr. Patti Culross, deputy health officer for Shasta County Public Health. Last year, 643 new cases of the STD were reported, compared to 449 cases in 2002. From 1997-2002, average annual cases numbered 360.
Culross said the increase is largely attributable to improved screening kits, medical providers' improved compliance with reporting guidelines and an increase in screening people without symptoms. Chlamydia is asymptomatic for 75 percent of women and 50 percent of men. Screening requires only a urine sample. Transmitted through vaginal, oral or anal sex and during childbirth, chlamydia is easily treatable. It usually requires only one dose of antibiotics, medicine that is inexpensive and covered by most insurance policies, including Medi-Cal.
"Young people who have unprotected sex - and those of any age with multiple partners - are at the greatest risk of this and a host of other sexually transmitted diseases," Culross said. She added that three of every four reported cases occur in people under age 25. She recommends all pregnant women be screened.
Note: BESTD Clinic offers chlamydia tests and includes them in general STD screenings.