The number of recorded sexually transmitted infections has declined in San Diego County for the second consecutive year, county public health officials announced Monday.
The downward trend is mirrored statewide, and covers data in 2024 released this month by the California Department of Public Health.
Some of the most commonly reported STIs in San Diego County are chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, all of which declined between 2023 and 2024.
The county’s HIV, STD and Hepatitis Branch of Public Health Services recorded the following numbers for 2024:
Chlamydia was down 7.4%, from 17,720 cases in 2023 to 16,414 in 2024. Women ages 20-24 have the highest infection rates. Gonorrhea decreased 9.5%, from 6,651 cases in 2023 to 6,021 in 2024. Men ages 25-29 show the highest rates. Syphilis (primary & secondary) dropped 35.8%, from 481 cases in 2023 to 309 in 2024. Infection rates are highest among men ages 25-34. Syphilis (congenital) dropped 9.5%, from 36 cases in 2023 to 31 cases in 2024. Three stillbirths or neonatal deaths occurred in 2024, the most since 2019.County health experts said many factors likely caused the decrease, including state investment in STI prevention and control at the local level, improved access to routine screening and improvements in diagnostic testing, including rapid or point-of-care tests.
“These numbers are encouraging but there is still work to be done,” said Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan, county public health officer. “We need to focus on decreasing cases of maternal syphilis, and babies born with congenital syphilis.”
Increased use of antibiotics within 72 hours of condomless sex with a partner determined to be infected also contributed to the decline in STIs.
“Research has shown that quick use of an antibiotic can significantly reduce syphilis and chlamydia and prevent some gonorrhea infections among certain populations,” the county said.
STIs are spread through sexual contact involving genitals or bodily fluids, and some can be spread from a pregnant person to a fetus. They can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites.
Anyone who is sexually active can contract an STI, and some can be life-threatening if left untreated.
County leaders on Monday recommended that anyone who is sexually active establish a sexual health routine that includes screening, testing, vaccination and regular visits with a health care provider.
San Diego County operates three walk-in sexual health clinics that offer testing, diagnosis and treatment for STIs. More information is available here.
Hence then, the article about great news number of stis in county continues to decline was published today ( ) and is available on Times of San Diego ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Great news: Number of STIs in county continues to decline )
Also on site :