Kern County's rate of congenital syphilis increased by a whopping 340% between 2012 and 2014, according to a new report.
The data was highlighted in the Kern County Network for Children's Annual Report Card, which examines the state of children and adolescents in Kern County using a number of different categories.
"We look at about 130 different indicators," said Tom Corson, executive director of the Kern County Network for Children.
"But we're really looking at physical health, social health, educational outcomes and economics."
Corson said that some statistics jump out more than others.
"We've had a 340% increase in congenital syphilis in Kern County since 2012. We still have one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in the state of California and we have one of the highest STD rates in the state of California."
The report also mentioned Kern's chlamydia infection rate among teenage females, which was 55% higher than the state rate and 11% higher than the national rate in 2014.
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You can also email a Kern Public Health nurse directly with your questions at askSTDclinic@co.kern.ca.us
