Private MD News

Alaska leads the nation in STD rates

Category: Chlamydia

Despite the fact that it has one of the lowest populations in the nation, Alaska continues to lead the way in terms of the number of residents who receive positive STD tests, state health officials say.

According to the Anchorage Daily News, the state ranks first in the country in chlamydia and second in the nation in terms of gonorrhea diagnoses. A total of 6,026 cases of chlamydia were reported in 2010, which is a 13 percent increase over the previous year's numbers. Gonorrhea cases are up 23 percent in the state.

State Local health officials said that STD testing should be conducted on the partners of anyone who has been found to be infected with either of the diseases. This could help contain the spread of infection.

Susan Jones, the state's HIV/STD program manager, told the news source that chlamydia can be dangerous because it generally presents few symptoms and is often overlooked. However, it is one of the leading causes of infertility in women.

In particular, young people may benefit from STD testing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nationally, 15- to 24-year-olds have the highest rates of infection.