ALMOST a third of young people in Waltham Forest have been screened for chlamydia, new figures show.

About 31 per cent of people under 25 have been screened through NHS Waltham Forest and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust.

The total is ahead of the national target of 17 per cent for 2008/9 and places the borough's performance third highest in the country.

Dr Durka Dougall, senior public health programme manager for NHS Waltham Forest, said: “If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious health problems, including infertility.

“The screening test itself is done with a urine sample, so it isn’t at all uncomfortable or embarrassing.

“If the results do come back positive the infection is easily treated, by taking antibiotics.”

NHS Waltham Forest and Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) engaged in a series of initiatives including outreach work in schools, colleges, and youth groups.