CDC Sees 'Alarming' Increase in Sexually Transmitted Diseases

http://www.nbcnews.com/health/sexual-health/cdc-sees-alarming-increase-sexually-transmitted-diseases-n465071

by Maggie Fox
Nov. 17, 2015

Common sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis and gonorrhea have exploded in recent years, in part because of reduced funding for public health clinics, federal officials reported Tuesday.

And more than 1.4 million cases of chlamydia were reported last year — the highest number of cases of any disease ever reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Just under 20,000 cases of syphilis were reported in 2014, the highest rate since 1994 and a 15 percent increase over 2013, the CDC said. The CDC found 458 cases of syphilis in newborn babies — a startling 27.5 percent increase over 2013.

And more than 350,000 cases of gonorrhea were reported, up 5 percent from 2013.

"Certainly, this is the first time since 2006 that all three of our notifiable sexually transmitted diseases have increased," said the CDC's Dr. Gail Bolan. "Some of the increases are quite alarming."

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"Young people are the most vulnerable," Bolan said. While antibiotics can treat the infections, they often do not cause symptoms until damage has been done.

"Women can lose their reproductive health for a lifetime from infection of chlamydia or gonorrhea," Bolan said.

What's going on to cause the increase? There are several factors, the CDC says. Budget cuts are a big factor.

"Most recently, there have been significant erosions of state and local STD control programs," Bolan said. "Most people don't recognize that the direct clinical care of individuals with sexually transmitted diseases is supported by state and local funds and federal funds."

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