Washington's rate of sexually transmitted infections trails U.S. average
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Washington's rate of sexually transmitted infections remains lower than the national average, despite a statewide rise in syphilis cases last year, per CDC data released this month.
Why it matters: Left untreated, syphilis can cause brain damage, blindness and heart problems, while chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to pain and infertility.
By the numbers: Combined, Washington had roughly 541 cases of those three types of sexually transmitted infections per 100,000 residents last year, according to the CDC.
- Nationwide, the rate was about 734 cases per 100,000 residents.
Zoom in: Washington saw a slight rise in total syphilis cases from 2022 to 2023 — from 56.6 cases per 100,000 residents to 57.4 per 100,000.
- That is more than double the rate of syphilis cases the state recorded in 2019, per the CDC.
What they're saying: CDC officials said it is "encouraging" that gonorrhea cases nationwide dropped for a second year, and syphilis increased by only 1% "after years of double-digit increases."
- Still, "reportable STIs remain unacceptably high," the agency says.
- In a news release this month, Jonathan Mermin of the CDC said that the latest nationwide figures, although improved, show a need for "further investment in STI prevention."
King County public health officials say people should get tested for syphilis if they're sexually active, 45 and under, and haven't been tested since January 2021.