DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowa Department of Public Health officials said Wednesday that the number of Iowans contracting sexually transmitted diseases has hit a new all-time record.

Officials said the number of Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Syphilis cases reached record levels in 2007.

It's especially concerning that we're seeing the greatest number of cases reported in teenagers and young adults, said IDPH Director Tom Newton, in a statement released Wednesday.

For Chlamydia, 8,643 cases were reported, 1,928 cases of Gonorrhea and 64 cases of Syphilis. Officials said the numbers would be even higher if the state required reports on the cases of human papillomavirus and herpes.

It's estimated by health officials that half of all STDs go undiagnosed.

Parents and the community need to be open to talking about sexual health. Individuals must take the responsibility of asking for an STD screening when they have an annual exam or other doctor?s appointment," said IDPH STD Program Manager Karen Thompson.