SALT LAKE CITY — Uintah Basin health officials are warning local residents about a potential outbreak of a common sexually transmitted disease.

The TriCounty Health Department, which includes Uintah, Duchesne and Daggett counties, reports a 35 percent increase in cases of chlamydia between January and July of this year. the three-county area saw 28 cases of chlamydia during the first six months of 2009, while preliminary data shows 38 cases were reported during the first half of 2010.

Chlamydia and gonorrhea often go undetected because many people do not experience symptoms. the “silent” infections can result in pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and even infertility, with any sexually active person of any age at risk of infection.

The TriCounty Health Department and Utah Department of Health will offer free, confidential chlamydia/gonorrhea and HIV testing in Vernal and Roosevelt from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 20-21 at the local TriCounty clinics.

Testing by appointment can be set up at tricountyhealth.com or on a walk-in basis. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are cured with a one-time dose of antibiotics, which will be given to patients and their partners at no charge at the time of diagnosis.

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The two agencies are also partnering for an awareness campaign called “Catch the answers,” which will run on local billboards and radio stations to target the growing STD problem in the Tri-County area.