California health authorities are sounding the alert about rising rates of sexually transmitted illnesses, particularly among youngsters.
There were 216,000 reportable instances of Stds in
California in 2013, as per new information from the California Department of
Public Health. Rates of gonorrhea expanded 13 percent in 2013 compared with 2012,
and rates of primary and secondary syphilis (the most infectious stages)
expanded 18 percent.
"We consider these extremely noteworthy and concerning increases
in amounts of cases and rates of sickness," said Heidi Bauer, head of the
STD control program at the Department of Public Health.
Chlamydia rates diminished marginally for the first time in
two decades – yet it’s still the most normally reported STD in the state.
"The increase is seen overall, but when you look at who
is most affected by these infections, its women more so than men, in many
cases, and young people in general," Bauer said.
Ladies ages 15 to 24 made up more than 66 percent of female
chlamydia cases, and more than 54 percent of female gonorrhea cases. Young
women are most vulnerable to infertility and other long-term reproductive
health problems caused by STDs, according to the health department.
There are likewise huge racial differences:
African-Americans have a rate of gonorrhea more than six times the rate of
non-Hispanic Whites, the department said.
Bauer said there isn't any one explanation for the increase
in STDs, but she noted that "we do know that these infections result from
high-risk sexual behaviors. So if you see reduced condom use, for example, you
might see increases in STDs."
Bauer recommends that people at risk of STDs should get
tested and, if necessary, get treated quickly and notify their partners.
Along with testing, health officials said people can reduce
their risk of contracting an STD by using condoms, reducing their number of
sexual partners, being in a monogamous relationship, or practicing abstinence.
