Private MD News

Areas see low rates of STD testing

Category: Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that STD testing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of sexually acquired infections. However, based on new data, it seems that many people in some parts of the country are not heeding this advice.

The San Mateo County Health System of California recently reported that the number of people who sought STD testing in 2010 decreased from previous years, according to the San Francisco Examiner. Despite the drop in testing, more new cases of diseases were discovered last year than in the prior year.

The number of people in the county who received positive HIV tests increased by seven. Additionally, positive chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis tests rose despite dropping for the previous years.

Officials told the news source that they would focus on reaching out to high-risk groups in the coming year to try to encourage them to seek regular STD testing. They said they believe this will increase the number of people who get screened for infections, which can lead to an overall reduction in new cases.