STD rates in Alaska are of 'epidemic' proportions

A recent article published in the Seward Phoenix Log highlighted the above-average prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among Alaskan populations and indicated that increased access to information about sexual health and more instances of STD testing may help curb this epidemic.

According to the newspaper, Alaska's rate of chlamydia diagnoses has steadily remained at two times the national average since 2002. In particular, the prevalence of this STD among Alaska Native women is 10 times higher than that of females who reside in other U.S. states.

Moreover, the news provider reported that the number of new gonorrhea cases in the state increased 69 percent between 2008 and 2009. Young adults accounted for the majority of new STD infections, with Alaskans between the ages of 15 and 29 representing 82 and 62 percent of new chlamydia and gonorrhea reports, respectively.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that youths between the ages of 15 and 24 account for nearly half of the more than 19 million new STD infections in the U.S. annually.