Alaska Again Ranks No. 1 for Chlamydia

For the third year in a row, Alaska's rate of chlamydia infection is the highest in the United States. In 2003, the state reported 3,900 chlamydia cases, said the Alaska Section of Epidemiology. Alaska's rate of infection -- 606 cases per 100,000 people -- is up from 591 in 2002 and 437 in 2001.

The increase is not surprising, in part because the state has been looking harder for cases, said Wendy Craytor, HIV/STD program coordinator. In addition, testing is now easier thanks to a test that can detect chlamydia and gonorrhea using a urine sample rather than a swab.

In other STD news, Alaska saw an 11 percent decrease in gonorrhea cases -- 573 cases total -- in 2003. Alaska's gonorrhea rate in recent years has put it in the middle of the pack compared with other states, Craytor said.

More than two-thirds of chlamydia cases in the state are female. Compared with other age groups, rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea were highest among young people. Alaska Natives, American Indians and blacks showed higher rates than other racial and ethnic groups. Alaska Natives and American Indians account for only 18 percent of the state's population but 46 percent of chlamydia cases and 52 percent of gonorrhea cases. Increased screening of Native populations could explain the increased infection rates, Craytor said. The association between race and economic disadvantage may make it harder for some people to avoid sex or insist on protection, she said.

Back to other news for July 7, 2004