Description: This indicator provides information about the chlamydia infection rate (diagnosed infections per 100,000 population). Note, beginning in 2019, California medical providers are no longer mandated to report chlamydia cases to local public health departments, although the requirement still exists for laboratories. Given this change in reporting requirements, it is possible that the rates presented are an underestimate of the true burden of chlamydia infection.In recent years, Los Angeles County has experienced a steady increase in the rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia, a trend that has also been seen nationally. A common STI, chlamydia can cause permanent damage to the reproductive system of childbearing people and can even cause potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy. Untreated chlamydia infection can also increase the risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV. As with other STIs, chlamydia rates are much higher in some communities than in others, with low-income communities, communities of color, and gay, bisexual, and transgender communities most severely impacted. Cities, community organizations, faith-based institutions, and businesses can play an important role in supporting efforts to prevent these infections. For example, they can help promote sexual health education campaigns, support condom distribution programs, and foster efforts to reduce stigmatization of and discrimination against groups most at risk of these infections. In addition, community providers can help by assisting at-risk groups in accessing prevention programs, testing, and treatment services, including partner notification and treatment.For more information about the Community Health Profiles Data Initiative, please see the initiative homepage.
Copyright Text: Indicator generated by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Data for calculating this indicator came from the following sources: [1] Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance System, 2021; [2] Provisional 2021 population estimates prepared by Hedderson Demographic Services for the Los Angeles County Internal Services Department