Minnesota calls for more chlamydia screenings

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that chlamydia is the most commonly reported sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the country. The prevalence of this infection is particularly high among people between 15 and 25, suggesting that this population may need more education regarding protecting themselves from this disease. In response to this, Minnesota doctors are considering testing all people between these ages for chlamydia.

Minnesota news source the Duluth News Tribune reported that there a a variety of reasons that lead doctors to suggest this measure be taken. For example, chlamydia often appears with no symptoms, which means people could be spreading the infection and are entirely unaware that they even have it.

Although this directive is aimed at young people, physician assistant Caroline Woods told the news source she would encourage the directive to span all ages.

“I’m recommending screening for everybody, every shape, size, sexual orientation,” said Woods, quoted by the Tribune. “Everybody - I’m recommending that they get screened.”

Representatives from the Minnesota Department of Health say that the state is experiencing a "chlamydia epidemic," suggesting that action needs to be taken against this disease in this region.