STD epidemic in US is ‘out of control,’ warn experts, CDC
Sharply rising cases of some sexually transmitted diseases — including a 26% rise in new syphilis infections reported last year —Dr. Leandro Mena“It is imperative that we … work to rebuild, innovate, and expand prevention in the US.”
Infections rates for some STDs, including gonorrhea and syphilis, have been rising for years. Last year, the rate of syphilis cases reached its highest since 1991 and the total number of cases hit its highest since 1948.An international outbreak of monkeypox, which is being spread mainly between men who have sex with other men, has further highlighted the nation’s worsening problem with diseases spread mostly through sex.
Officials are working on new approaches to the problem, such as home test kits for some STDs that will make it easier for people to learn they are infected and to take steps to prevent spreading it to others, Mena said.Dr. Mike Saag“It’s pretty simple. More sexually transmitted infections occur when people are having more unprotected sex.”
Doctors are also speculating that there may have been a surge in sexual activity as people emerged from COVID-19 lockdowns.