STD cases reach new high in California

A record number of Californians were diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease in 2017, according to a new report released by the California Department of Public Health. (CDPH)

More than 300,000 cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and early syphillis were reported: a 45 percent increase compared to 2012, said CDPH.

In 2017, there were 30 stillbirths in California due to congenital syphillis. According to the CDPH, this is the highest number of stillbirths since 1995.

Chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain. Syphillis can cause permanent loss of vision, hearing and other neurologic problems.

Chlamydia and gonorrhea rates are highest with people under the age of 30.

“STDs are preventable by consistently using condoms, and many STDs can be cured with antibiotics,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. “Regular testing and treatment are very important for people who are sexually active, even for people who have no symptoms. Most people infected with an STD do not know it.”