Chlamydia rampant in Northland

A screening programme has begun in Northland to combat a chlamydia epidemic.

Seventeen cases of the sexually transmitted disease are being diagnosed each week in Northland, five more than at the start of the year.

People aged 15 to 25 lead the statistics.

To combat the problem, Northland Health is urging teens and young adults to be screened.

Tests and treatment of chlamydia are both extremely simple, says Northland medical officer of health Dr Jonathan Jarman, but if left untreated, the disease can cause infertility.