CDC Data Suggests STI Epidemic is Slowing

Written By Sara Bolnick

The CDC released 2023 data for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) this week. The report notes that the epidemic may be slowing as:

  • Gonorrhea rates dropped for the second year - falling below pre-Covid-19 levels.

  • Syphilis rates increased by only 1 percent after years of double-digit increases.

  • Primary and secondary syphilis rates declined 10 percent for the first time since 2022.

As in past years, there were significant disparities in reported STIs. 32.4% of all cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and P&S syphilis were among non-Hispanic Black or African American persons, even though they made up only 12.6% of the US population. Rates of both P&S syphilis and congenital syphilis were highest among American Indian or Alaska Native persons in 2023.

Rates of STIs in Minnesota were lower than national averages.

The report also has county-level data for women aged 15-44.

Sara Bolnick

Sara Bolnick is the Communications & Partnerships Director at the Minnesota Association of Community Health Centers (MNACHC).

https://www.mnachc.org
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