Chlamydia cases on the rise in Mobile County, health officials warn

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — A common sexually transmitted disease is on the rise in Mobile County, with health officials warning young adults in particular to take precautions.

“It is a common and persistent STD in the community that we often see, and the numbers can sometimes rise up to over 3 or 4,000 within a year,” Cherrite Peterson, Public Health Administrator for Disease Surveillance & Control at MCHD, said.

The Mobile County Health Department reports nearly 2,000 cases of chlamydia so far in 2025, and the numbers are continuing to grow.

“It is a disease that is sexually transmitted. Sometimes it can be silent,” Peterson said. “It can also present signs and symptoms, but is definitely treatable.”

The week of Aug. 10 alone, 61 cases were reported

According to MCHD’s 2024 annual report:

There were 3,396 cases last year in Mobile County. More than 1,100 of those were among women ages 18 to 24.

Peterson said that the young adult age group is the one that is mostly affected by the spread of chlamydia.

“Some of the symptoms for chlamydia is burning during urination,” she said regarding the most common symptoms. “Sometimes females and males both do have a discharge.”

Peterson told News 5 that the disease is treatable, and the health department can also help with the often-difficult task of notifying sexual partners.

“We do have our partner service program, and we do have our disease intervention specialists who can assist you with that in contacting your partner and let them know that they need to be tested or treated,” Peterson said.

According to the CDC, the latest numbers show that in 2023, Mississippi had the second-highest rate of chlamydia based on population. Louisiana was first, and Alabama ranked fourth.

Health officials recommend practicing safe sex and using condoms to reduce the risk of spreading chlamydia.

To get tested or need treatment for an STD, walk-ins are $15 at the newly renovated MCHD building located at 248 Cox Street.