The results are in.
A recent report on sexually transmitted diseases from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed nationwide increases in chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis cases in 2014.
However, in San Diego County, the results are mixed.
As is happening across the nation, the number of gonorrhea and syphilis cases increased in 2014, according to the most recent stats from the County Health and Human Services Agency.
Gonorrhea cases jumped 18 percent, from 2,865 cases in 2013 to 3,391 cases in 2014, the last year for which final case counts are available. The rate of gonorrhea in males was more than double the rate in females. Men between the ages of 20 and 29 years of age had the highest rate of infection.
The number of primary and secondary syphilis infections also increased 6 percent, from 347 cases in 2013 to 369 in 2014. The majority of syphilis cases were reported in men, especially men who have sex with men. Black men had the highest rate of infection: almost double that of white males.
“Gonorrhea and syphilis cases increased across the nation in 2014, and San Diego was no exception,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “It is important that sexually active people continue to take precautionary measures to avoid getting infected with these and other sexually transmitted diseases.”
Of particular concern is an alarming increase in the number of cases of congenital syphilis nationwide and in some parts of California. Syphilis that is transmitted from an infected mother to her unborn child can result in multiple birth defects and fetal death. Although San Diego County has not seen a significant increase in congenital syphilis cases, and most syphilis cases are reported in men, cases of syphilis in women are being closely monitored by public health officials.
Congenital syphilis is completely preventable if the mother is diagnosed and appropriately treated for syphilis in a timely manner. All pregnant women should be tested for syphilis during the first prenatal care visit and, if at risk for getting syphilis during pregnancy, would benefit from repeat testing during the third trimester (ideally at 28 weeks gestation) and again at delivery.
Chlamydia Infections Drop
There is better news on the chlamydia front.
For the second year in a row, the number of chlamydia infections, the most commonly reported disease in San Diego, dropped. A total of 15,626 local cases were reported in 2014, compared to 16,042 in 2013, a 2.6 percent decrease. Meanwhile, the nation as a whole saw a 2.8 percent increase in chlamydia cases in 2014, when more than 1.4 million infections were reported.
The rate of chlamydia in women was almost twice the rate in men.
“Young women between 15 and 24 years of age have the highest rate of chlamydia infections,” said M. Winston Tilghman, M.D, senior physician and STD controller for the County. “Chlamydia and gonorrhea both can result in infertility and other long-term reproductive health issues, which make prevention particularly important in this age group.”
What can you do to lower your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease?
- Talk openly about them with your intimate partner and with your medical care provider
- Use condoms if you’re sexually active
- Practice mutual monogamy
- Get tested on a regular basis
Preventing sexually transmitted diseases is part of the County’s Live Well San Diego vision which aims to improve the health and well-being of local residents.
As in the rest of the state, profound racial disparities exist with regard to sexually transmitted diseases. African Americans have the highest rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea and early syphilis.
To address some of these health disparities, the County has implemented programs, such as Don’t Think, Know., a free home testing program for gonorrhea and chlamydia available to women 25 years old and younger. The program can be accessed by visiting DontThinkKnow.org or by calling (619) 692-5669 (KNOW). The County also participates in a program that screens young women entering San Diego’s juvenile detention facility for these infections and provides treatment to those who have a positive test.
The County also operates four STD clinics, which offer testing and treatment for most STDs regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. For more information about STDs and testing services visit STDSanDiego.org or call (619) 293-4700.
