The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released new data regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and newborn syphilis cases. The findings are summarized in a press release.
Almost 4,000 newborn syphilis cases were confirmed in 2024, a nearly 2% increase from 2023, and nearly 700% from 2015. Furthermore, there were over 2 million confirmed STI cases in the U.S. last year, however, there are less than there were in 2023. Additionally, primary syphilis, secondary syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia have all declined from 2023. The CDC attributes the lower numbers to public prevention efforts and the broader access of self-tests and doxy PEP.
Bradley Stoner, M.D., Ph.D., Director of CDC's Division of STD Prevention emphasized in a press release, "While the STI epidemic may be turning a corner, we must accelerate progress and stop its most tragic consequences. About 1 in 5 people in the United States have an STI, affecting millions of Americans and thousands of babies each year. We need to continue our prevention efforts wholeheartedly at federal, state, and local levels."
