Juvenile Hall Detainees to Be Tested for STDs
Teenagers accused of committing crimes in Kern County will be asked for a urine sample to test for sexually transmitted diseases.
The county has the state’s third-highest rate of chlamydia and fourth-highest rate of gonorrhea.
Both diseases are prevalent among 15- to 24-year-olds, said Dr. Boyce Dulan, director of disease control for the county Health Department.
Health officials say Juvenile Hall detainees are at high risk for sexually transmitted diseases.
Those who test positive will be given free medication, officials said.
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