It reclaimed the title from Tairawhiti which followed closely with 2402 cases per 100,000 people and Hawkes Bay had the third-highest rate with 2106 cases per 100,000 people.
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria.
Lakes District Health Board specialist women's health clinical nurse Talei Shirley said
chlamydia would continue to be sexually transmitted in any population who had unprotected sex with individuals carrying the infection.
She said it was easily treated with medication but untreated chlamydia in women could result in serious outcomes.
''These could include pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. It can also cause complications in pregnancy, and the infection can be passed on to a baby at birth.''
Historically and currently, New Zealand had higher rates of chlamydia compared to other countries in the world, she said.
''The reason for this is not known.'
Public Health Laboratory Surveillance Reports show that the numbers of cases reported by Lakes DHB fluctuated up and down, she said.
''Looking at the bigger picture over four quarters shows that numbers actually remain very stable. One reason for high numbers of reported cases in the Rotorua and Taupo areas is that local healthcare professionals do more testing than in some other areas, and so more cases are picked up.
''For example, we have youth health services in Rotorua and Taupo which are both very proactive with sexual health testing.''
Rotovegas Youth Health clinical leader Dr Tania Pinfold said sexual health and sexual behaviour of young people had not changed a great deal and, as a result, the rates of STIs had not altered significantly.
''We are always encouring young people to be safer with your sexual choices and use condoms.''
What is chlamydia?
* Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease.
* It is caused by bacteria called chlamydia trachomatis.
* It can infect both men and women.
* Women can get chlamydia in the cervix, rectum, or throat.
* Men can get chlamydia in the urethra (inside the penis), rectum, or throat.
Precautions to take
•Use condoms.
•Have sexual health checks and carefully follow all treatment advice if you test positive.
•Have awareness that any new partner may present a new risk.
•If you test positive you must advise anyone you may have potentially infected, so that they can be treated and not continue to spread the infection further.
- Source Lakes District Health Board
