The CDC's Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance Report says that 2 million cases were reported overall in 2016. Over 75% of those (1.6 million) were cases of chlamydia, half of them reported among young women.
Syphilis rates grew nearly 18% between 2015 and 2016, most of those cases reported by men, particularly homosexual and bisexual men. Half of the latter also have HIV, according to the report. Syphilis infections also rose a whopping 36% among women and 28% among newborns in the same period, with over 600 cases of syphilis infection among newborns reported, often resulting in severe health complications and even death.
The CDC warned that together, these figures were "the highest number ever" on record. The three diseases are treatable, but if not timely or properly diagnosed, may lead to infertility or stillbirth, increased risk of HIV infection, and other health complications.
Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of the CDC's center on STD and TB prevention, said in an agency press release that the increase in STD rates was "a clear warning of a growing threat."
Offering recommendations to stem a further rise in infection rates, the CDC suggested that state and local health departments must refocus their efforts on disease prevention and treatment. In addition, the agency recommends STD screening and treatment becoming a regular part of medical care, particularly for gay and bisexual men and pregnant women. Finally, the CDC recommends regular testing, condom use, monogamy, and a culture where sexually transmitted diseases can be talked about openly.
For now though, Dr. Mermin warned that "STDs are a persistent enemy, growing in number, and outpacing our ability to respond."
