STD Rates Increase 6% In 1 Year

In recent years, the United States has witnessed a surge in cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), notably chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea, as per data sourced from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and analyzed by US News & World Report. In 2021, gonorrhea cases showed a 28% increase, and syphilis cases showed a spike of 74%. The cumulative burden of STDs was pronounced with more than 2.5 million reported cases of chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea. This statistical shift translates to a combined rate of 762.7 cases per 100,000 people—a 6% rise from the previous year’s rate of 721.6 per 100,000. Additionally, a separate CDC draft recommendation proposes the use of post-exposure prophylaxis with doxycycline PEP for preventing bacterial sexually transmitted infections in populations most at-risk. Public comment on the recommendation is invited until November 16.Where to be aware: The data analysis reveals a significant concentration of Southern states among those with the highest STD rates. Young people between the ages of 15 and 24 were more affected, accounting for 51% of all reported cases. The 10 states with the highest STD rates, respectively, are: Mississippi; Louisiana; Alaska; South Carolina; South Dakota; Alabama; Georgia; Arkansas; New Mexico; and North Carolina.