Promising Trends in STI Rates in USA: Signs of Progress Amid Persistent Challenges
Posted: Fri Nov 15, 2024 4:36 pm
In 2023, over 2.4 million cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were reported in the United States. However, there are signs that the epidemic might be slowing down:
Gonorrhea cases dropped for the second consecutive year, falling 7% from 2022 and dipping below pre-pandemic levels.
The rise in overall syphilis cases slowed significantly, increasing by just 1% after years of double-digit growth.
For the first time in over two decades, primary and secondary syphilis cases declined, dropping 10% since 2022. Among gay and bisexual men, cases fell by 13%—the first decrease reported since the CDC began tracking national trends in this group in the mid-2000s.
Congenital syphilis cases, while still rising, showed a slower increase of 3% nationally, compared to the 30% annual spikes seen in previous years.
Although these trends are promising, the number of reportable STIs remains unacceptably high, and significant disparities in infection rates persist.
Gonorrhea cases dropped for the second consecutive year, falling 7% from 2022 and dipping below pre-pandemic levels.
The rise in overall syphilis cases slowed significantly, increasing by just 1% after years of double-digit growth.
For the first time in over two decades, primary and secondary syphilis cases declined, dropping 10% since 2022. Among gay and bisexual men, cases fell by 13%—the first decrease reported since the CDC began tracking national trends in this group in the mid-2000s.
Congenital syphilis cases, while still rising, showed a slower increase of 3% nationally, compared to the 30% annual spikes seen in previous years.
Although these trends are promising, the number of reportable STIs remains unacceptably high, and significant disparities in infection rates persist.