Treatment. Not treats
Last updated 11:40, Monday, 21 April 2008
WHEN Reiver was a lad the only garishly decorated vehicles designed to attract the attention of young people were ice-cream vans.
Today – chlamydia screening vehicles.
One in 10 Cumbrians between the ages of 15 and 25 has this sexually transmitted disease but the majority don’t know it.
Chlamydia can go undetected because there are often no obvious symptoms. If left untreated it can lead to infertility.
Health bosses in the county have launched a new screening programme and, as Reiver discovered when riding his steed through Carlisle, they are publicising it with a van covered in eye-catching advertisements.
These explain that the test for chlamydia simply involves giving a urine sample.
If this modern-day clapometer gives a positive result, the condition can usually be treated with a single dose of antibiotics.
The test, which is free, can be carried out at 70 GP practices and sexual health clinics in the county.
To find out more or to book an appointment call 01228 603342.
