LOS ANGELES — A state report finds the number of cases of sexually transmitted diseases in California reached a record high in 2017.
The Department of Public Health said Monday that more than 300,000 cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and early syphilis were reported last year.
That’s a 45 percent increase compared to five years ago.
Officials say there were 30 stillbirths due to congenital syphilis last year - the highest number reported since 1995.
Chlamydia and gonorrhea rates are highest among people under age 30. Rates of chlamydia are highest among young women. Men account for the majority of syphilis and gonorrhea cases.
The department’s director, Dr. Karen Smith, urges sexually active people to use condoms and get tested regularly. Many STDs can be cured with antibiotics.
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