THE number of people being diagnosed with the sexually transmitted infection Chlamydia in the Isle of Man has fallen.

Figures revealed in this week's House of Keys show that 137 people were diagnosed with Chlamydia in 2010 compared to 182 in 2009, 206 in 2008 and 219 in 2007.

The figures also show that 3,073 patients were seen at the Genito Urinary Medicine (GUM) Clinic last year compared to 2,989 in 2007. The number of new referrals also increased last year to 1,998 compared to 1,884 in 2007.

Figures peaked in 2007 and 2008 with 2,093 and 2,013 new referrals respectively and 206 and 182 confirmed diagnoses of the infection.

Chlamydia is the most commonly sexually transmitted infection in the UK. It is often referred to as the silent disease as most people who get it do not show any noticeable symptoms. It can be easily diagnosed through a swab or urine test and once diagnosed is treated with antibiotics. Left undiagnosed Chlamydia can lead to more serious long-term health problems and even infertility.

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