How is the State of Michigan doing?
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What Is It?
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection predominately spread through sexual contact. It is one of the most common sexually-transmitted diseases (STD) in the U.S., responsible for an estimated four million cases each year. Chlamydia can be successfully treated with antibiotics.
How are Dickinson and Iron Counties doing?
In 2000, there were 57 reported cases of Chlamydia in D-I County residents.
Click on the map below to show the County specific rates.
How is the State of Michigan doing?
In Michigan, reporting for Chlamydia began in 1992. On a state level the rates of Chlamydia have increased since then, however, this may be due to improved reporting and increased testing, particularly for women. However, testing in men still lags behind. As reporting continues to improve, future rates are expected to be greater, but may more accurately reflect actual incidence in both men and women.
In 2000D-I County's rate for Chlamydia for all ages was 18per 100,000 population, significantly lower than Michigan's rate of 235, and the United States rate of 236.6.
How are different populations affected?
Persons under 25 years of age have the highest incidence with 7cases reported in 2000. Only 10 cases were reported for males in 2000. This low level of reporting for men probably reflects less testing for the disease in men. The tendency of the infection to remain asymptomatic in men and the reluctance of men to seek medical attention may also contribute to the low number of infections reported in men.
What other information is important to know?
Chlamydia infection results in increased health care cost, especially among women. Chlamydia is the most common cause of infertility due to blocked fallopian tubes and can also result in pregnancy complications. Perinatal Chlamydia infections are a common cause of infant pneumonia and the most common cause of newborn eye infections.
New, more sensitive testing methodology may result in more men being tested, diagnosed, and treated for Chlamydia. As testing and reporting continue to improve, it can be expected that future rates will more accurately reflect actual incidence of Chlamydia.
What are the Dickinson-Iron District Health Department and the Michigan Department of
Community Health doing to affect this indicator?
D-I County is actively working to decrease the prevalence of Chlamydia and its health consequences. The department participates in the national Infertility Prevention Project (IPP) and is one of nine quality monitoring sites in family planning, adolescent health, and sexually transmitted disease centers. These sites target and test those at high-risk, such as persons aged 15-24, those with symptoms, or those exposed to Chlamydia. Infected patients are treated and interviewed for partner notification purposes. Also, the family planning program collaborates with the state STD Section in the Federal Chlamydia Project and provides Chlamydia testing as a clinical service when needed.
The Health Department also provides presentations on the Chlamydia epidemic in Michigan that explain the consequences and related costs of untreated disease. Nurse practitioners and health educators incorporate information about Chlamydia whenever they give a presentation on any family planning or sexually transmitted infection subject. Testing and treatment are a priority of the clinic staff as evidenced by scheduling patterns. Chart audits demonstrate that those at risk are screened.
Click on the below address to view other Sexually Transmitted Disease Trends: http://www.mdch.state.mi.us/PHA/OSR/chi/std_h/TREND1/DISEASES/counties/PHT52.html .