Media Release

 4:50 p.m.

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - Due to an alarming rise in the frequency of  Chlamydia cases, Alachua County Health Department officials today urge residents and visitors to take precautions to limit their risk of exposure to Chlamydia and other sexually transmitted diseases.  This is an especially important message for students during Spring Break.

Last year in Alachua County the incidence of Chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease (STD), increased to 2247 new infections, up 865 cases from the previous year. This increase is part of a progressively rising trend over the last ten years.  The highest incidence, and the highest increase in incidence, was almost exclusively among 15-24 year olds: 15-19 year old women, and 19-24 year old men.  It is the most frequently reported infectious disease in Alachua County.

Chlamydia is spread through sexual contact and is usually silent for many years, causing irreparable damage to the reproductive system.  This damage leads to serious complications such as infertility, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, tubo-ovarian abscess, peritonitis, and even death.  It is prevented by abstinence, mutual monogamy, or use of safe sex techniques. 

For more information contact Health Department official Emily Wilson at 352-334-7900 ext. 3480, visit http://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/default.htm or speak to a health care practitioner about your risks and a screening test. 

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