Chlamydia Cases Hit Record High

Doctors worry number of hidden cases could be much higher
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 14, 2007 4:22 AM CST
Chlamydia Cases Hit Record High
Center for Disease Control (CDC) Director Julie Gerberding testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007, before the House Committee on Overnight and Government Reform Committee hearing on drug resistant infections and the consequences for public health. (AP Photo/Lauren Victoria...   (Associated Press)

Known cases of chlamydia in the US have topped a million for the first time, with the highest rates among adolescent girls, USA Today reports. Under-reporting of the sexually transmitted disease means the real number could be nearly three times higher. Syphilis and gonorrhea are also on the rise, partly due to antibiotic-resistant superbugs.

Chlamydia can be easily cured, but it often produces no symptoms, meaning infected people don't know they have it until it causes severe health problems like pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility later in life. "Chlamydia's a stealth bomber," said one gynecologist. The true impact on public health of the rise in STDs may not be felt for many years. (More chlamydia stories.)

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