Chlamydia

Chlamydia continues to be the most frequently reported infectious disease in Anne Arundel County and statewide. In this County, the overall chlamydia case rate in 2007 was 296 cases per 100,000 persons. The rate was highest in the 15-24-year-old group at 2,616 cases per 100,000 persons, and a majority of those cases were women. In that age group, the case rate for African Americans was almost seven times that of whites. The Department of Health is working to raise awareness of the problem and is reaching out to medical providers to assist in reducing the number of chlamydia cases.

Chlamydia often produces no symptoms, and most people do not seek care for the infection. As a result, many infections go undiagnosed. Therefore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend annual chlamydia screening for ALL sexually active women who are 25 years of age or less (Sexually Transmitted Disease Treatment Guidelines, MMWR 2006;55:(RR 11). Testing should continue for women above age 25 when indicated, i.e., a new partner, multiple partners or symptoms. While annual screening of sexually active males is not recommended, those with risk factors should be tested.

Recommendations to reduce chlamydia cases:

• Screen ALL sexually active women < 25 years of age annually.
• Discuss prevention of sexually transmitted diseases with your patients.
• Educate patients about the possible consequences of infection (PID, ectopic pregnancy, infertility).
• Encourage partner notification and evaluation if chlamydia is diagnosed.
• Advise patients that having unprotected sex may lead to re-infection or a new sexually transmitted infection.
• Treat cases with a recommended regimen of azithromycin 1g x 1 dose or doxycycline 100mg BID x 7 days.

Please visit the Department's Web site to access useful information about sexually transmitted diseases, as well as resources for referrals. As a reminder, chlamydia (as well as syphilis, gonorrhea and HIV), is a reportable disease in the State of Maryland by both labs AND providers. To report a case to the Department of Health, please call 410-222-4156.

More Information: Chlamydia Fact Sheet and Chlamydia Presentation.