Chlamydia focus of new public health campaign

Ontario Public Health is rolling out a new campaign today to open your eyes to a growing problem among sexually active teens and young adults.

Chlamydia, a sexually transmitted infection, is on the rise across Sudbury and Manitoulin districts, according to a press release from the Sudbury and District Health Unit.

In 2011, there were 36,395 chlamydia cases reported in Ontario.

Locally those numbers are rising. In 2011, there were 592 confirmed cases of chlamydia. In 2012, there were 634. That’s almost a 10-per-cent increase.

Chlamydia affects both men and women and if left untreated can cause infertility.

If that doesn’t put a damper on the mood, here’s a double dose of reality: many people who have chlamydia infection show no symptoms and, as a result, don't even know they have it and pass it along to unsuspecting partners.

Young adults are particularly vulnerable. In 2011, individuals 18 to 24 years old, made up 52 per cent of all reported cases of chlamydia in Ontario.

For more about the chlamydia campaign visit www.findoutthewholestory.ca.