December 16, 2014 – The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) in the US today released the latest national data on reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in the 2013 STD Surveillance Report.
The report finds that STDs continue to threaten the health and well-being of millions of Americans, particularly young people as well as gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM).
Trend data show that primary and secondary syphilis (P&S) cases – the most infectious stages of the disease — are increasing among MSM, who now account for 75 percent of all infections.
Syphilis infection according to the report can place a person at increased risk for HIV infection. Surveillance data from several major cities throughout the country indicate that 52% of MSM who have P&S syphilis are also infected with HIV.
Data from the report also show that cases and rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea infection are highest in Americans between the ages of 15 and 24.
The reporter added that young men and young women are heavily affected by STDs – but young women face some of the most serious long-term health consequences adding that it is estimated that undiagnosed STDs cause infertility in 24,000 women each year
