Sexually transmitted diseases affecting hundreds locally

Imperial County Health Department reports nearly 1,000 cases of people with sexually transmitted disease. Health officials said the numbers keep rising.

Karla Lopez, ICHD Public Health Epidemiologist, said, “The most commonly reported STD is chlamydia. Just last year it was reported to us over 900 cases, which is a 14% increase from what we saw in 2016. That is followed by gonorrhea. And gonorrhea, last year we saw 175 cases reported to us. And that would be a 15% increase from 2016.”

She said the department is working with local health providers to put a dent on those numbers. She admits it’s not easy.

“It’s important for individuals to be informed about STDs, about their symptoms, and to see if they’re at risk of getting STDs,” Lopez said.

Vulnerable groups are people between 15 and 24 years of age, and gay and bisexual men.

Rosa Diaz, LGBT Resource Center Director, said, “A lot of times it does happen that they are having sex with other men and then not being careful, and then having sex with either their wife or their partner.”

The LGBT Resource Center and Planned Parenthood teamed up this week to raise awareness by organizing a workshop at the center for those interested in learning more about STDs.

“I am concerned because, again, it affects them and it would be another stigma. A lot of times people think that because they are gay that they are putting themselves at risk,” Diaz said.

Lopez said STDs are curable and all are treatable. But, untreated STDs can cause long-term health problems, Lopez explained.

For more information, anyone can visit www.cdc.gov.