FILE – This 1975 file microscope image made available by the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows chlamydia trachomatis bacteria magnified 200 times. The number of cases of STDs – chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis – in California reached a record high in 2017, and officials are particularly concerned by a spike in stillbirths due to congenital syphilis, state health authorities said Monday, May 14, 2018. (Dr. E. Arum, Dr. N. Jacobs/CDC via AP, File) (Source: Dr. E. Arum)
(AP) — Three sexually transmitted diseases have risen for the fifth consecutive year per the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
In 2018, more than 1.7 million cases of Chlamydia were reported, which rose 3% from 2017. That’s the most ever reported in one year.
The other two diseases were Gonorrhea with 580,000 cases reported and Syphilis with 35,000 cases reported, both the highest number since 1991. Gonorrhea rose by 5% from 2017 and have scientist concerned with antibiotic resistance occurring. Syphilis rose by 15% from 2017, which is the most contagious disease.
The increases coincided with public health funding cuts and clinic closures.