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Bexar County Ranks Third For Most STD Cases In Texas As Nation Sees Record High Rates

CDC/Public Domain http://bit.ly/2NnW7q5
Cells infected with Type-A Chlamydia trachomatis

The U.S. has the highest rates of sexually transmitted diseases in the industrialized world and the number of diagnoses increased for the fourth year in a row in 2017, according to new numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

About 2.3 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were identified across the country last year.

Most people who carry STDs don't experience any symptoms and don't realize they're passing an infection to sexual partners.

Texas Health & Human Services records the numberof sexually transmitted infections reported to the state specifically for chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.

The 2017 data ranks Bexar County third — behind Harris and Dallas counties — for the highest number of infections. Last year, there were 12,475 cases of chlamydia, 4,357 reports of gonorrhea and a total of 1,293 recorded for syphilis in Bexar County. 

How do the symptoms and consequences differ for the most common sexually transmitted infections?

How often should you get tested? What should you do if diagnosed with an STD?

Why are infection rates so high in the U.S. and what's causing the increase in diagnoses? What can be done on the local, state and national levels to stop the spread of infection and prevent future cases?

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Jan Ross Piedad Sakian is TPR’s News Operations Producer. In this role, she develops strategy on collaborative and digital initiatives for the station. Since 2016, Jan Ross has served in a coordinating capacity for TPR’s state and national partners, including The Texas Newsroom.