Kern County has some of the worst rates of sexually transmitted diseases in the state.

The California Department of Public Health says we’re third for chlamydia and syphilis and the fourth highest for gonorrhea infections.

County Public Health spokeswoman Michelle Corson says dating apps may play a role because it makes it easier for people to have unprotected or risky sex.

People are encouraged to get tested because some STD symptoms don’t show up for years, which can lead to cancer and infertility.

Kelli Pierce