How Safe is Colorado from an STD?

STDs? That's right. They are out there. Where does Colorado rank on the list of 'Most Sexually Diseased State' in the country?

Some may be appalled at this subject. Some may giggle. Some will have a very personal story that they may or may not want to share. Truth is, that you may be exposed to one and not even know it.

But, no matter how you feel, it is a REAL issue and one that affects thousands and thousands of people every year. Yes, even here in Colorado AND more specifically Mesa County.

The Daily Mail recently reported that all 50 of the United States have been ranked from 1-50 based on their medical information. The data was researched and put together by the folks at Backgroundchecks.com. They used information from state and county health departments, surveys and polls on-line and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So, I would take this as real as you can get when it comes to accurate facts and figures.

Colorado comes in at a relatively low #27. That's 'bottom half.'

Gonorrhea - 81.9 cases per 100,000 people
Chlamydia - 445.4 cases per 100,000 people

So, how about here in Mesa County? That's a little closer to home. According to the Mesa County Health Department:

Gonorrhea - 15 cases per 100,000 people
Chlamydia - 422.7 cases per 100,000 people

So, we seem to be doing even better than the statewide low average. It IS still an issue and going unchecked and untreated can infect other people quickly. So please, if you suspect you may be infected or just want to get checked out to be safe, please contact the Mesa County Health Department. Call them at (970) 248-6900. Their hours are 8-5:30 Monday - Thursday and 8-Noon on Friday.

Top 5 states (in case you were wondering)