Reported STD cases reach new high in California

This computer illustration shows Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria, which causes the sexually-transmitted disease gonorrhea. The bacteria are Gram-negative, non-motile and kidney-shaped and often occur in pairs, being flattened on the side facing the partner. Infection occurs through the genital mucous membranes of either sex:. less This computer illustration shows Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria, which causes the sexually-transmitted disease gonorrhea. The bacteria are Gram-negative, non-motile and kidney-shaped and often occur in pairs, ... more Photo: KATERYNA KON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF Photo: KATERYNA KON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF Image 1 of / 34 Caption Close Reported STD cases reach new high in California 1 / 34 Back to Gallery

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KCRA) — A record number of Californians were diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease in 2017, according to a new report released Monday by the California Department of Public Health.

More than 300,000 cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and early syphilis were reported, which equates to a 45 percent increase compared to 2012, the CDPH reported.

In 2016, there were more than 250,000 cases of STDs reported.

Thirty stillbirths were reported in 2017 in California due to congenital syphilis -- the highest number reported since 1995.

Click here for charts and more information from the CDPH

Chlamydia and gonorrhea rates are the highest among people under 30 years of age. Young women have the highest rates of chlamydia, while men account for the majority of syphilis and gonorrhea cases, according to the CDPH.

"STDs are preventable by consistently using condoms, and many STDs can be cured with antibiotics," CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith said. "Regular testing and treatment are very important for people who are sexually active, even for people who have no symptoms. Most people infected with an STD do not know it."

STDs can lead to a number of serious health problems, including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain, loss of vision and other neurological problems, health officials said.

This story originally appeared on KCRA.com.