June 15, 2008
Chlamydia rates in YK Delta higher than state and national average
by Danielle Dizon, YKHC Public Relations Staff
Often described as a "silent disease" because its symptoms are seldom apparent, Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted disease among men and women in Alaska. According to a recent report released in March by the State of Alaska Epidemiology, Alaska has had the highest rate of Chlamydia in the United States since 2000. In 2007, nearly 5,000 cases were reported, an eight percent increase from 2006. More alarming is that Chlamydia rates in the Yukon-Kuskokwim region are among the highest within the state.
"Chlamydia is a preventable health disease," said Dr. Dan Hartman, Family Physician at the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital in Bethel. "Unfortunately, we have a high Chlamydia rate compared to other areas in the state."
Caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachmoatris, the disease can quickly spread from individuals through unprotected sex.
The 2007 report reveals that rates across the state were highest among females aged 15-19 and 20-24, and especially among Alaska Native and American Indian females. Hartman stresses that Chlamydia rates for women are much higher than men because more women are being screened, especially during annual exams and prenatal visits.
"In our area, we are seeing more women being screened compared to men," said Hartman. Hartman is urging all individuals, male and female, who have had unprotected sex to seek testing through their local health clinics, hospital, or at the public health center.
"Health Aides at village clinics, mid-levels at subregional clinics, and health providers at the Bethel hospital and Public Health Center, can all screen for Chlamydia and other STDs," added Hartman. Condoms are also available at health facilities to address lack of resources in villages.
Chlamydia is diagnosed through urine samples or specimens from the cervix or penis and is treated and cured with antibiotics. If untreated, the infection can lead to more damaging effects, particularly in women.
"The infection can affect reproductive organs, cause pelvic inflammatory disease and even infertility." said Hartman. Also, women who are infected are up to five times more likely to become infected with HIV if exposed.
Chlamydia poses a greater threat of transmission because many women and men do not know they have it. Transmission occurs through vaginal, anal and oral sex, and if symptoms do occur, they usually appear within 1-3 weeks after exposure.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise of the following symptoms in men and women:
- Women should notice abnormal discharge or a burning sensation when urinating, lower abdominal pain, low back pain, nausea, fever, pain during intercourse, or bleeding during menstrual periods.
- Men should be aware of abnormal discharge from the penis or a burning sensation when urinating.
"Using condoms can reduce the risk of transmission," said Hartman. "But you are safest to abstain from sexual contact or to be in a monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and uninfected."
Health professionals are partnering to provide more education and raise awareness of safe sex practices and STD prevention through a special coalition that brings together various organizations in the region, including: YKHC, Public Health Nursing, Bethel Family Clinic, ANTHC Epidemiology Dept., and the State Department of Corrections.
Tim Struna, Nurse Manager at the PHN Center, says that the workgroup is focusing on assessing the regional STD rates and developing local interventions with communities.
"Through primary prevention efforts, which begin in the community, we hope to see the rates start to decrease," said Hartman. "This is our long-term commitment to improve the health status."