News Release                   For Immediate Release

March 11, 2004

Chlamydia Rates Up 127%

Chlamydia rates in Grey and Bruce have reached an all-time high.  The number of cases has increased 127% since 2001. The rise in chlamydia cases has been steady with a startling jump last year, as indicated in the chart below.  In 2001, 64 cases were reported.  In 2002, 88 cases were reported.  In 2003, the number of Grey-Bruce residents testing positive jumped dramatically to 145. 

Chlamydia is the most commonly reported sexually transmitted infection in Ontario and Canada  (Heath Canada, 1998).  The infection is passed through the mucous membranes of the vagina, mouth, urethra or rectum, as a result of sexual contact with an infected partner.  Chlamydia is a bacterial disease and is treated with antibiotics. 

Complications of untreated chlamydia can be serious.  In women, it can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), a very serious infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes, one of the most common causes of ectopic pregnancy and infertility.  In men, the infection may cause sterility.

Symptoms of chlamydia may develop 7 days to 3 weeks after sexual contact with an infected person.  However, many women and men with chlamydia show no signs of the infection and therefore are not aware of their risks or their ability to spread the disease. 

This increase may reflect the higher risk behaviours of sexually active young adults ages 15-24, who make up the greatest number of those people in Ontario infected with chlamydia.  Not only are youth engaging in unprotected vaginal sex but also recent reports in both the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star commented on the casualness of sexual activity in our youth.  According to these sources, unprotected oral sex has become the new thing to do at parties.  The concern is that chlamydia can be readily transmitted through oral sex. 

As a community, we need to be aware that chlamydia, as well as other sexually transmitted diseases, is in Grey and Bruce Counties.  It is a communicable disease that can lead to severe health concerns if untreated. 

If you are sexually active, protect yourself by using condoms.  Get tested for sexually transmitted infections.  Parents, please talk with your children.

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Attachments:

Graph available upon request.

For more information:

Denna Leach

Public Health Nurse

Sexual Health Program

Grey Bruce Health Unit