Michigan residents may be apprehensive about STD testing results

A health official impersonator recently stirred up concern among several Michigan residents when he informed them that they had tested positive for HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Now, the Grand Rapids Press has reported that members of the Kent County Health Department are worried that this incident will discourage people from seeking necessary testing.

The newspaper noted that the suspect informed people of their false results via home visits, telephone calls and letters.

Deputy Health Officer Bill Anstey told the news source that STD testing records are confidential and are protected by the department. Therefore, individuals need not worry that information will be divulged.

The most common STD among Michigan residents between the ages of 15 and 24 is chlamydia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are more than 1.2 million new reports of chlamydial infections each year in the U.S., the organization adds.

The CDC reports that women are three times more likely to contract this disease than men. Though symptoms may not be visible in people of either gender, women can experience serious health complications from untreated chlamydia, including infertility and eptopic pregnancy.

Online testing services may provide confidential and convenient STD identification.