Sexually transmitted disease rates are continuing to rise in Washington state.
According to the Washington Department of Health’s 2016 STD data, rising rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis have prompted health officials to encourage sexually active individuals to get tested and treated.
Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STD, and the rates are highest in 20 to 24-year-old women. Total Chlamydia cases climbed 8.5 percent from 2015 to 2016, totaling 31,200 cases. The number of gonorrhea cases climbed to 8,165 last year, up 13.3 percent. Primary and secondary syphilis jumped 25 percent, to 566 cases in 2016.
Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men are disproportionately impacted by STDs.
Pregnant women experience some of the harshest outcomes from untreated STDs.
Washington generally has less than one case of congenital syphilis per year. However, 2016 recorded five cases, the highest number since 1992.
The 2017-19 state budget allocates $3.3 million per year for STD prevention, monitoring, and control. The Department of Health is working with local public health agencies and community partners to enhance their capacity to investigate and reduce the spread of STDs.
Early detection and treatment can interrupt the steady climb of STD rates. (WA Dept. of Health)
