SACRAMENTO – Sexually transmitted diseases are at the highest levels in 30 years, according to the state Department of Public Health, which on Oct. 8 released final data on California for 2018.

According to the data, sexually transmitted diseases —syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia —are continuing to increase throughout California and

Particularly concerning, the number of congenital syphilis cases was 14% higher than the previous year and nearly 900% higher than in 2012. Congenital syphilis can be fatal to infants: there were 22 stillbirths or neonatal deaths in 2018.

Sexually transmitted diseases can cause a number of serious health problems. If left untreated, chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. Syphilis can cause permanent loss of vision, hearing and other neurologic problems.

The highest rates of sexually transmitted diseases are among young individuals ages 15-24.

“STDs are preventable by practicing safe-sex, and many can be cured with antibiotics,” Acting State Public Health Officer Dr. Charity Dean said in a prepared statement. “Regular testing and treatment are essential prevention strategies, even for people who have no symptoms. Most people infected with an STD do not know it.”

CDPH is collaborating with local health departments and organizations throughout the state to coordinate efforts to control STDs, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV).

The 2019-2020 state budget includes increases in funds to help address the rise in STDs, including:

  • $40 million over four years to enhance the capacity of local health departments to identify, monitor and respond to communicable diseases.
  • $5 million per year for STD prevention and control by local health departments and community based organizations.
  • $5 million per year for HIV prevention and control by local health departments and community based organizations.
  • $5 million per year for Hepatitis C prevention and control by local health departments and community based organizations.
  • $2 million per year to enhance local health department capacity for STD prevention and control.

For more information, visit the CDPH Sexually Transmitted Diseases Control Branch.

Image Sources

  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Shutterstock