Peoria Co. STD Rate ‘Alarming’

WMBD/WYZZ TV – PEORIA – It's a subject that's still considered taboo.  But now health officials are actively working to educate teens about STDs.  It's a growing problem in Peoria County: In fact, the rate of gonorrhea cases is nearly 3-times higher than statewide numbers.

The age group most likely to have an STD is 15 to 24 year olds.  That's why informational meetings for teens are happening all over the state.  Illinois public health officials want to start a dialog... And help teens realize it can happen to them.  National figures show one in four teens are currently infected with an STD.

Statistics show young African American girls are at particularly high risk for STDs.  If you have questions about sexual health, you're asked to call the STD clinic at your local health department.