Recent surge in chlamydia cases may be occurring within interconnected adolescent social networks using social media apps
Helena - According to Lewis and Clark Public Health investigations, a surge in reported chlamydia cases, a common sexually transmitted infection, may be occurring within interconnected adolescent social networks using social media apps.
“Lewis and Clark Public Health has identified a significant increase in reported chlamydia infections in Lewis and Clark County,” states Drenda Niemann, Health Officer at Lewis and Clark Public Health (LCPH). “53 chlamydia cases have been reported compared to 31 cases during the same period in 2025, representing a 71% increase.”
Based on the data, this meets the epidemiological definition of an outbreak, as there appear to be more cases than expected for the time and location.
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that is curable with antibiotics.
“44% of those 53 chlamydia cases were reported in adolescents between the ages of 15 – 19 years,” says Shelly Maag, LCPH Public Health Nurse Supervisor. “And a larger proportion of cases, 58%, are occurring among females.”
“We know that being a teenager is hard. We know that being the parent of a teenager is even harder,” Niemann says. “But we are encouraging parents to talk to their teens – about social media use, about sex, about sexually transmitted infections, and about contraception. Even when it is difficult, keep the lines of communication open and remain actively involved in your child’s well-being.”
Lewis and Clark Public Health can direct both teens and parents to local resources available to support families. To schedule an appointment to get tested or treated, or to just talk to a public health nurse, please call LCPH at 406-457-8900. All services are completely confidential.
“Our public health nurses are a wealth of great empathy and information, as are the many doctors and nurses that staff our local medical clinics and doctors’ offices,” says Niemann. “If your child has a trusted relationship with a primary care provider, please schedule an appointment with your pediatrician. Planned Parenthood and Options are also great places to get tested and/or treated.”
“The health and well-being of our children is the utmost importance to a healthy community,” adds Maag. “We are not here to judge either teens or their parents. We are here to be a safe place for residents – both teens and adults – to get tested, to get treated, and to stop sexually transmitted infections from spreading.”
Maag says that asymptomatic chlamydia infections (disease without signs or symptoms) are common among both men and women. But chlamydia infections that go unidentified and untreated can cause devasting and permanent damage, especially for girls and women.
“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 10–15% of women with untreated chlamydia may develop Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, and chlamydia is estimated to contribute to up to 20% of female infertility cases,” Maag says.
Recommended antibiotic regimens for chlamydial infection among adolescents and adults is Doxycycline 100 mg orally twice daily for 7 days, alternative regimens or Azithromycin 1 G oral in a single dose or Levofloxacin 500 mg orally once daily for 7 days. https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/default.htm
To minimize disease transmission to sex partners, persons treated for chlamydia should be instructed to abstain from sexual intercourse for 7 days after single-dose therapy or until completion of a 7-day regimen and resolution of symptoms if present.
“Please know and understand, while chlamydia is curable, unless you are practicing safe sex or abstinence, you can be reinfected. And then treatment must start all over again,” Maag emphasizes.
“We are encouraging parents to have courageous conversations with their teenagers about social media use and about sex,” repeats Niemann. “Be the bigger, stronger, wiser person they can turn to for guidance and support. Yes, they are young adults; their hormones are raging and they are hungry for independence and identity outside of mom and dad. Even as they push boundaries and seek independence, our teens still rely on their parents and other trusted adults to help them navigate life’s challenges.”
To speak with a public health nurse or to schedule an STI screening, please call Lewis and Clark Public Health at 406-457-8900. Teens can also text a confidential number, 406-594-2949, to schedule an appointment to get tested and treated.
