New York State Department of Health Releases New Data and Raises Awareness for Sexually Transmitted Infections During STI Awareness Week

New Report Highlights Need for Targeted Intervention to Prevent the Spread of Sexually Transmitted Infections

Congenital Syphilis Remains a Concern as Cases Continue to Increase Nationally and in New York State

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 15, 2024) – The New York State Department of Health recognizes national Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Awareness Week, April 14-20, and releases new STI surveillance data highlighting the need to continue to promote prevention strategies to stop the spread of STIs and encouraging individuals to be proactive about their sexual health.

"During Sexually Transmitted Infection Awareness Week, and all year round, I encourage New Yorkers to take a proactive role in their sexual health for themselves and their sexual partners," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "I hope people feel confident to take steps like getting screened, talking to sexual partners, getting vaccinated for things like the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and mpox where there's an effective vaccine available, and getting treatment if they are diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection. Sex and sexuality are a natural part of a person's health and well-being and we're committed to continued awareness and education efforts to keep everyone healthy and free from preventable illness."

There are resources available that can help individuals get the sexual health care that they need to prevent or treat STIs, including diagnostic tests, adequate treatment, vaccines, pre- and post-exposure medications (ex. Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis), and Expedited Partner Treatment (EPT).

Partner services is a free and confidential program through the Department that assists in linking individuals diagnosed with STIs and their partners to testing, treatment, medical care, and other services to improve health outcomes and reduce the risk of transmission to others.

According to the latest New York State STI surveillance report, in 2022 the highest rates of STIs continued to be seen among young people, non-Hispanic Black individuals, and men who have sex with men. Additionally, with the rise in congenital syphilis births, people who give birth are a population of concern with respect to STIs.

Primary and secondary syphilis diagnoses (the most infectious stages of syphilis) increased by 3 percent in 2022 compared to 2021, according to the surveillance report. Diagnoses among males accounted for 86 percent of primary and secondary syphilis diagnoses, with 74 percent of that group identifying as men who have sex with men. In 2022, rates of primary and secondary syphilis among females increased 11-fold compared to 2014 rates.

A significant and critical concern is congenital syphilis and the continued increases both nationally and in New York State. Congenital syphilis, which is entirely preventable, is a result of untreated syphilis infection that is transmitted in utero during pregnancy or during vaginal delivery. In 2022, 51 diagnoses of congenital syphilis were reported statewide, a 24 percent increase from the prior year and a 76 percent increase over the last five years. Individuals who are pregnant with untreated syphilis (regardless of disease stage) may transmit the disease to the unborn child, which could result in infant death, physical deformities, or brain and nerve problems, such as blindness or deafness of the child. Penicillin is the first-choice treatment for every stage of syphilis and usually cures the disease. Without adequate treatment syphilis can cause blindness, threaten the bones and heart, lead to permanent mental illness and paralysis, and even lead to loss of life.

The Department is also observing an increase in chlamydia diagnoses by approximately 2 percent in 2022 compared to 2021, and it continues to remain the most reported sexually transmitted infection in New York State with 103,689 diagnoses in 2022 alone. This represents a 6.7 percent increase from 2020, though diagnoses remain lower than pre-COVID-19 numbers. It is believed that this drop is a result of changes in care-seeking behavior that has not yet rebounded completely. The highest rates of chlamydia continue to be seen in females 15-24 years of age.

Gonorrhea diagnoses increased slightly by 0.7 percent from 2021 to 2022. This represents the smallest annual increase since 2014. Gonorrhea rates decreased in females by 16 percent and increased in males by 9 percent when compared to 2021. Additionally, the rates were highest among males ages 20-34, and among females ages 15-24.

Though there are more than 30 different infections that are spread through vaginal, anal, and oral sex, and skin-to-skin contact, the Department's STI Surveillance Report focuses on three nationally notifiable sexually transmitted infections: chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, which can all be cured with antibiotics from a health care provider. However, if left untreated these infections can cause permanent damage. Some STIs can also spread through the blood by sharing intravenous drug equipment such as needles.

In addition, pregnant people with STIs may pass the infection to infants in the uterus (womb), during birth, or through breast-feeding. This can result in serious health outcomes for the pregnant person and infant, including physical deformities, neurological deficiencies, stillbirths, and infant death shortly after birth. Prevention, testing, and treatment are the best defense against contracting and spreading STIs.

Getting tested and knowing one's STI status is a critical step in stopping STI transmission. It is possible to be exposed to more than one STI at the same time without knowing it, because there may not be signs or symptoms of the infection(s).

All individuals who are sexually active should discuss their sexual health with a health care provider. Individuals who think they have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection should consult a health care provider immediately about prevention, testing, and treatment options.

The New York State Department of Health Office of Sexual Health and Epidemiology is dedicated to serving as a leader in sexual health through innovative public health practice and ethical use of data to promote sexual positivity and provide resources that directly and indirectly influence everyone to live a sexually healthy life. Their vision is to individualize and normalize sexual health; ensure the prevention, treatment, and elimination of sexually transmitted infections; and implement holistic community impact. For more information visit Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) or contact the Office at stdc@health.ny.gov