The Lakes region is being touted as the country's new capital of chlamydia. Probably not a title Rotorua or Taupo will be using in their marketing campaigns any time soon. It's not a topic people like to talk about and many dismiss STIs as not relevant to them - something that only affects the young and promiscuous. It's viewed as dirty and something to be ashamed of, which no doubt contributes to people not talking honestly to their partners about protection, being too scared to get tested or being in denial about symptoms.
The cold hard fact is it's a health issue like any other. Most people, of all ages, have sex. Anyone that does is potentially at risk of catching an STI. Even those in relationships, as Dr Tania Pinfold points out. And although the majority of recorded cases are in young people, age doesn't bring immunity.
As with many statistics, the latest figures refer only to positive diagnoses through testing laboratories. So the high rate in the Lakes region could be because the region does have more people with the infection than elsewhere. Or it could, as Dr Pinfold believes, just reflect more efficient screening.
If the latter, the results could actually be a good result for the region. It means more are being diagnosed and subsequently treated, thus preventing the spread. It also means our health professionals are doing a good job. We may not be proud of being called the chlamydia capital, with all the unpleasant connotations that brings. But perhaps the recent publicity will serve as a timely reminder for all to take responsibility for their health.
