Sexually Transmitted Diseases on the Rise in Alaska

According to the Alaska Division of Public Health sexually transmitted diseases has risen over thirteen percent in the past few years. Alaska has the country’s highest rate of Chlamydia infections and the second highest rate of gonorrhea.

Rise in Chlamydia Cases

Cases of the sexually transmitted disease Chlamydia have risen thirteen percent since 2010. Alaska has reported an estimated six thousand and twenty-six cases of Chlamydia that works out to eight hundred and forty-nine people out of every one hundred thousand people being infected with the sexually transmitted disease. This is more than double the national rate of four hundred and seventeen people.

Rise in Gonorrhea Cases

The rise in gonorrhea cases in Alaska was twenty-three percent. In 2010, Alaska reported one thousand two hundred and seventy-three cases. Compared to a national rate of only ninety-nine cases.

Rise of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Seen in Rural Area

The rise of Chlamydia and gonorrhea is being seen in the rural areas of the state which slows down the diagnose and treatment. "The burden of Chlamydia and gonorrhea is in the young population," Jones said. "Alaska on average has a young population compared to most states."

Conclusion

“The Alaska Medical Board recently enacted a rule change authorizing doctors to prescribe medicine to sexual partners of infected patients even if those partners are not examined, Jones said.” In hopes of decreasing, the number of cases of Chlamydia and allowing people to receive treatment that may not necessary seek treatment on their own.