The Michigan Department of Health Department is urging sexually active residents to get regular testing after a recent increase on sexually transmitted diseases.
Cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis have all increased this year, according to the 2017 Michigan Annual STD Summary Report.
Michigan has seen 45,000 to 50,000 cases of chlamydia annually since 2008, but cases jumped nearly eight percent in 2017 with 51,000 reported cases.
The department says a majority of cases are being seen in adolescents, African-American men and women and men who have sex with men.
Symptoms in men include: burning upon urination, discharge, rashes or sores.
In most cases, there are no symptoms for women.
Chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are curable with antibiotics.
The department says many cases go untreated and lead to the spreading on the infection.
“Many infected people are unaware of their status which allows them to unknowingly pass on the disease,” said Dr. Eden Wells, MDHHS chief executive. “To slow the transmission of STDs, regular screening is encouraged for all sexually active individuals. Talk with your healthcare provider about testing or seek services at a local health department clinic.”
