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Number of Americans diagnosed with STDs reached a record high in 2016

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As the number of Americans diagnosed with chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis were reported at a record high last year, Kern County saw high numbers as well. 

The number of Americans diagnosed with those three STDs reached a record high in 2016 for the second year in a row, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There were more than 2 million cases reported last year, according to the CDC. 

In 2016, Kern County Public Health recorded 8,949 total cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. That equals one case reported every hour. 

Last year, there were 6,348 reported cases of chlamydia, which is about 17 cases per day. That was the second worst ranking in the state. 

There were 1,804 reported cases of gonorrhea during the year, or about 5 per day. That ranked 7th worst in California.

And there were 797 reported cases of syphilis, or 2 cases per day. This was the 3rd worst ranking in the state.

The numbers for congenital syphilis were 26 total cases, or one reported every other week last year. These numbers were the 2nd worst in the state. 

In 2015, Kern County had the highest number of reported cases of chlamydia in California.

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