STD Rates On The Rise In Washington

OLYMPIA, WA —A new CDC report on sexually transmitted diseases includes troubling numbers for the state of Washington. Nationally, chlamydia cases have increased 16 percent since 2014, with instances of gonorrhea jumping by 63 percent, primary and secondary syphilis cases ballooning by 71 percent and congenital syphilis skyrocketing 185 percent.

The state department of health says the numbers in Washington last year tell a similar story and warn untreated STDs can lead to serious health problems, especially among pregnant women. Congenital syphilis, where a baby is born with the infection, can have several major impacts on an infant's health and may even be deadly.

WASHINGTON CASES IN 2018
Congenital syphilis: 7 cases (33rd in nation)
Primary and secondary syphilis: 802 (14th in nation)
Gonorrhea: 11,207 cases (31st in nation)
Chlamydia: 34,449 cases (36th in nation)

According to the CDC, several factors are driving recent increases, including decreased condom use, cuts to STD programs on state and local levels, poverty and overall stigma.

The Department of Health says chlamydia is the most commonly reported STD in Washington and rates tend to be highest among women 20 to 24 years old. Health officials say it is essential to get tested often — at least once a year — and see a doctor early if there are any worries concerns. The best defense, they say, is consistent and correct condom use, fewer sex partners or monogamy, and knowing your partner's testing status.