WI Health Department: STD rates up across the state

(WSAW)
Published: Oct. 16, 2017 at 5:33 PM CDT
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An alarming statistic from the CDC shows Wisconsin saw a 13% increase in reported cases of STDs in 2016. In Marathon County the number of gonorrhea cases in October of 2017 has already surpasses last year and it's only expected to get worst.

Becky Mroczenski the from the Marathon County Health Department said a lot of times these STDs have no symptoms which is why seeing a healthcare provider regularly is so important.

At the Hope Life Center in Wausau they provide free testing and treatment for anyone who needs it and over the last couple of months they too had seen an increase in STD cases especially in young women. Mroczenski said that had been a trend in many areas across the county.

"Typically the thought behind why women have more cases or reported cases is because they're going in for their annual check ups and part of that check up is being tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea," explained Mroczenski.

According to the State Department of Heath Services the Southeastern part of the state had the most reported cases of STDs in 2016. The department found that these areas were typically the focus of testing efforts and most testing facilities were funded through the state.

Nicole Safer the Policy Director at Planned Parenthood said having access to testing and treatment is why their facility works so hard to provide accessible healthcare to everyone.

"As long as we have policies put in place in Wisconsin and across the country that are restricting access to basic healthcare you're certainly going to see rates like this go up," said Safer.