All articles tagged with #sti
Ohio has recorded 360 shigellosis cases in 2026, with Stark County reporting 12. While case numbers remain stable compared to previous years, health officials warn that extensively drug-resistant strains are increasing, particularly among men who have sex with men. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea and fever, and most cases resolve within a week without antibiotics, though resistant strains require targeted treatment.
Shigella, a gut pathogen causing severe diarrhea, is increasingly spreading through sexual contact in the US, with cases rising to 450,000 annually. A CDC report shows extensively drug-resistant strains have jumped from 0% in 2011 to 8.5% in 2023, making treatment difficult for vulnerable populations.
European health authorities report a 2024 record in sexually transmitted infections, with gonorrhoea at 106,331 cases and syphilis at 45,577, while chlamydia remains the most reported STI at 213,443 and LGV at 3,490. Congenital syphilis cases rose from 78 to 140 across 14 reporting countries. The ECDC urges broader, faster testing and treatment and stronger partner notification, noting that 13 of 29 countries still charge out-of-pocket for basic STI tests, risking widening inequalities unless national STI strategies and surveillance are strengthened.
Arlington’s 2024 syphilis rate was 31.2 per 100,000, about 50% above Virginia’s average and more than double Northern Virginia’s rate, marking the highest Arlington rate since 2019. Officials cite a younger, highly mobile population and delays in diagnosis and have issued updated testing guidance and engaged clinicians through the Northern Virginia STI/HIV Taskforce to improve detection and treatment. National data show a 42% rise in syphilis from 2020–2024, underscoring the need for routine screening for sexually active people, while Arlington’s STI Clinic provides testing and free services for low‑income residents; prenatal testing to prevent congenital syphilis is also emphasized by Dr. Deidra Parrish, the new public health director.
Jamaica has experienced an increase in sexually transmitted infections in 2024, with young adults aged 20-24 being the most affected, primarily due to low condom use and multiple partners. Women account for the majority of cases, and the rise includes infections like gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Despite the increase in STI cases, HIV new infections have slightly declined, and the overall HIV prevalence remains steady at 1.1%. Health authorities emphasize prevention through safe sex practices and regular testing.
Chlamydia is the most common bacterial STI worldwide and in the US, often asymptomatic but easily treatable with antibiotics. Regular testing, condom use, and partner notification are key to prevention and control.
Cases of gonorrhoea, a Biblical STI, have doubled in England over the past decade, with high rates among young people and in London, prompting warnings for students to use protection and get tested, despite a recent decline in cases.
A woman in Alaska died from a rare complication of gonorrhea, raising concerns about emerging strains that may cause more severe infections and are less detectable, with a recent spike in disseminated gonococcal infections and increasing antibiotic resistance. Health officials advise proactive testing and awareness, especially for those with multiple partners.
Recent data from the CDC shows a significant decline in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the U.S., with a 7% reduction in gonorrhea and a 10% decrease in syphilis cases between 2022 and 2023. This progress is attributed to increased public health funding during the Covid-19 pandemic, which bolstered STI testing and prevention efforts. However, experts express concern over potential policy changes under the Trump administration that could reverse these gains, particularly with anticipated cuts to reproductive health services and public health funding.
The US is experiencing an "out-of-control" epidemic of sexually transmitted infections, with syphilis cases rising by 80% in the past five years. Congenital syphilis, which affects babies, has surged by 937% over the past decade, causing severe health issues and deaths. Public health officials are calling for urgent action and increased funding to address the crisis, but current federal budgets show no increase in STI funding for the CDC.
A college student new to the gay dating scene experiences intense anxiety about contracting STIs despite practicing safe sex. The advice given includes seeking therapy to manage anxiety, exploring underlying shame, and employing coping strategies like mindfulness and positive self-talk to enjoy sexual experiences without fear.
An early-stage clinical trial for a chlamydia vaccine has shown promising results, with the experimental vaccine found to be safe and induce an immune response. Chlamydia, the most common bacterial STI in the United States, can lead to infertility and vision loss. The next phase of studies will focus on the vaccine's ability to prevent infection and its effectiveness. If successful, the vaccine could offer protection against chlamydia in both the reproductive system and the eyes.
The Calmara.ai app, which claims to use AI to detect STIs in penis photos, has been criticized by privacy and public health experts for its flimsy consent verification, potential to receive child pornography, and over-reliance on images to screen for conditions. Tests showed the app to be inaccurate, unreliable, and prone to stigmatizing information. Medical experts emphasize the need for accurate and ethical digital health tools in sexual healthcare, expressing concerns about Calmara's potential to further stigmatize STIs and digital health.
CDC data reveals a significant increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adults over 55, with syphilis cases rising seven-fold, gonorrhea cases nearly quintupling, and chlamydia cases tripling from 2012 to 2022. Factors such as increased sexual activity, lack of comprehensive sex education, and new partnerships in settings like nursing homes contribute to the heightened STI transmission risks in this age group.
Duval County ranks third in Florida for gonorrhea cases, with 442 cases per 100,000 people. The CDC reports that the infection spreads easily, especially among sexually active individuals aged 15-24 and those with multiple partners. Dr. Ali Kasraeian, a Jacksonville urologist, emphasizes the importance of seeking treatment, as half of infected individuals may not show symptoms. The Duval County Department of Health is collaborating with community partners to provide education and testing at events, while doctors advise reducing sexual partners and seeking immediate medical attention if in doubt.