BAKERSFIELD, Calif. --- — If you're sexually active, especially in Kern County -- get tested for sexually transmitted diseases.
"Last year we had almost 11,000 new STD [cases]reported to us," Kern County Department of Public Health spokeswoman Michelle Corson says.
That means one person in Kern County is contracting an STD each hour, Corson adds.
The Department's latest report shows a dramatic increase of STDs between 2017 and 2018.
The county has seen a 27 percent increase in chlamydia cases since 2010, ranking Kern County the third-worst in the state. Gonorrhea rates increased by 28 percent, ranking fourth-worst in California.
And primary and secondary syphilis cases also saw an increase, as well as congenital syphilis which was ranked second-worst in the state, with a 494 percent increase.
Christopher-Scott Aldridge says he's not taking any chances.
"I'm at that age now that I've had multiple sex partners," Aldridge said. "It's just been something in the back of my head. I don't like stressing on it anymore."
Aldridge got tested moments after speaking with 23ABC News at the Kern County Department of Public Health's clinic.
That is one of several places an individual can get tested for an STD.
Other local facilities include Clinica Sierra Vista, which has several locations across Bakersfield and Omni Family Health in North and South Bakersfield.
To speak about your sexual health or learn how to set up an STD test, you can email a health representative at the Kern County Department of Public Health Askstdclinic@kerncounty.com.
