From the Good News Folks at the state epidemiology shop: "Alaska had the highest chlamydia rate in the country in 2010, and the second highest rate of gonorrhea. Alaska has consistently had the first or second highest rates of chlamydia since 2000. The Department of Health and Social Services noted a rapid increase in new cases of gonorrhea in most regions of the state in 2009.
"...According to the bulletins published today, 6,026 cases of chlamydia were reported to the section in 2010, a 13 percent increase over 2009. In 2010, 1,273 cases of gonorrhea were reported, representing a 23 percent increase in the gonorrhea infection rate over 2009.
"Susan Jones, Alaska’s HIV/STD program manager, said it’s important that people understand that the symptoms of gonorrhea and chlamydia can be mild for some patients, so many people may not even know they have the sexually transmitted diseases. Left untreated, the diseases are the leading causes of infertility in women, she said."
Providers are required to report these diseases by law: "To find a place in your community to get tested, call the local public health nursing center, family planning or Planned Parenthood Center, the Alaska Native Regional Health Corporation in your area, or go to the website at https://www.iknowmine.org."
