STD Rates Continue to Increase in Select Groups

Overall, the recent rises in reportable STD rates speak to the need for more awareness among the public and health care providers about screening and prevention, said Dr. Douglas.

The report's data provide an incomplete picture of sexually transmitted diseases in the United States, the researchers cautioned, because many cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are not reported. In addition, some types of STDs, including genital herpes and human papillomavirus, are not tracked by the CDC but contribute to the overall disease burden of STDs, he noted. “These are large numbers of infections, and this is a hidden epidemic that people are not aware of,” added Dr. Berman.

To view the complete report, visit www.cdc.gov/std/stats