BATON ROUGE — The latest CDC report puts Louisiana above the national average on sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The report, focused on the U.S., highlights both promising trends and ongoing challenges. In 2023, the total number of reported STIs exceeded 2.4 million, including cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. While these numbers remain alarmingly high, there are signs that the epidemic may be beginning to slow down, nationally.
The report shows a 7% decline in gonorrhea cases for the second consecutive year, bringing numbers below pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, the rate of increase in syphilis cases has slowed to just 1% overall, compared to the double-digit increases seen in prior years.
A significant decline was observed in primary and secondary syphilis cases, dropping by 10%, marking the first substantial decrease in over two decades. This is notable among gay and bisexual men, with a 13% drop in these high-risk groups. However, congenital syphilis cases (newborn infections) continue to rise, albeit at a slower rate of 3%, compared to the dramatic 30% annual increases seen before?.
Louisiana above average in latest CDC report
In Louisiana, the STI rates remain significantly higher than the national average. The state has seen a dramatic rise in syphilis, with primary and secondary syphilis cases increasing by 48% from 2017 to 2021. Congenital syphilis cases have doubled, rising by 105% during the same period. The state’s chlamydia and gonorrhea rates are among the highest in the country, with screening and early treatment being critical measures to curb these infections. Notably, East and West Carroll, Morehouse, and Rapides parishes report some of the highest syphilis rates, reflecting broader statewide trends.
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