Yearly STD rates increase in Whitman County

The rate for the sexually-transmitted disease chlamydia is up slightly for 2011 over last year in Whitman County, while the gonorrhea rate is also expected to be up, according to a report at Tuesday’s Board of Health meeting.

In 2010, 131 cases of chlamydia were documented. As of Dec. 6 this year, 137 cases were documented with three weeks remaining.

Seventy percent of the patients were females, with 30 percent males.

“They know how to prevent it,” said Melissa Elkins, Communicable Disease Nurse for the county. “They’re not afraid of it.”

She also said drugs and alcohol can be a factor.

“Consi...