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DuPage County – The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) is encouraging residents to
recognize Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Awareness Week to prevent STIs and reduce risk
by practicing safer sex. This national observance is an important opportunity to raise awareness,
reduce stigma, and empower individuals with the tools to Talk. Test. Treat.
In DuPage County, STI infections remain a significant public health concern. In 2024, 1,987
chlamydia cases, 502 gonorrhea cases, and 37 syphilis cases were reported among DuPage
County residents.
Prevention is a core focus of the Talk. Test. Treat. campaign. If you are sexually active, or
thinking of becoming sexually active, it is important that you Talk. Test. Treat. to protect your
health. In addition to regular testing and timely treatment, using condoms consistently and
correctly remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of many STIs, including HIV.
We encourage individuals to:
- Talk openly and honestly about sexual health with partners and healthcare providers.
- Test for STIs regularly, as many infections may not show noticeable symptoms.
- Treat an STI right away if diagnosed. Follow the treatment regimen provided by a
healthcare professional carefully and abstain from sexual activity until you and your sex
partner(s) have all completed treatment. - Get vaccinated. Vaccines are recommended for some people to prevent hepatitis
B and HPV.
Many cases of STIs go undiagnosed and untreated, posing significant risks to individuals’ health.
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, if left untreated, can lead to severe complications such as
infertility (inability to become pregnant), ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb),
stillbirth in infants, and increased risk of HIV transmission. More information is available at
www.cdc.gov/sti-awareness/about/index.html
STI Services Available at DCHD:
The Health Department’s STI Clinic, located at the Wheaton Office, offers a range of confidential
services including testing, diagnosis and treatment, prevention counseling for STIs, and PrEP
(pre-exposure prophylaxis) for HIV. Services are available to individuals aged 12 years and older,
with free services offered to clients aged 17 years and younger. To schedule an appointment for
STI testing, please contact DCHD at (630) 682-7400.