Number of positive chlamydia tests falls

Rates of chlamydia, the most common sexually transmitted infection in young people, fell by two per cent on the previous year.

Of the 2,001 young people in Hull tested between April and June, 127 tested positive, while over the same period, 61 out of the 1,751 young people tested in the East Riding had the infection.

Health services in both areas were praised for their speed in treating the condition after scoring highly in a national survey.

Of the 156 primary care trusts in the country, the East Riding came third and Hull 13th, after both treated more than 98 per cent of people testing positive.

Nationally, one in six girls and one in eight boys tested positive, and regular screening is needed as many do not realise they are infected.

If left untreated, chlamydia can cause a number of problems in later life including infertility, abdominal pain and swollen testicles.

Sue Oxton, team leader at the Chlamydia Awareness Screening Programme for Hull and East Riding (Caspher), said: "Being tested once for chlamydia doesn't cover you for life.

"It is important that young people understand that if they have sex with another partner then they must get tested again.

"We want to encourage young people to take responsibility for their sexual health and with Caspher, they don't even have to speak to anyone.

"They can simply pick up a free test from one of our many pick up points, take it at home and post it back, so they don't have to worry about having any awkward conversations with us. All tests are confidential and the results can be texted to their mobile."

Treatment can take place at a range of venues.