We’ve just released our 2017 STD Annual Report, which shows that the number of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) reported in Arizona continues to increase. The latest data indicates a 16% increase in STDs from 2016 to 2017, with STDs in Arizona on the rise for over a decade.
Over 54,000 STDs were reported in Arizona in 2017, including cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STD. Nearly 40,000 cases were reported in Arizona just in 2017. Gonorrhea, the next most commonly reported STD, has increased 94% in the last five years. While syphilis is not as commonly reported as chlamydia and gonorrhea, the effects of syphilis can be devastating, particularly in pregnant women who can pass the disease on to their babies. The rate of syphilis in babies doubled in 2017.
A lot of people think they would know if they had an STD, but that isn’t true. Many STDs don’t cause any symptoms. The good news is that STDs, once detected, can usually be treated. Even better news is that STDs are highly preventable through regular screening, consistently using condoms, and reducing the number of sexual partners.
The Arizona Department of Health Services works with partners at local public health departments and in the community to provide STD screening and treatment. In 2017, we funded local health departments to provide STD screening to 18,138 people and treatment to 2,126 partners. Find a clinic that performs STD testing near you.
