2 sexually transmitted infections on rise in NYC

New York’s Staten Island According to recently released 2023 statistics from the city Health Department, rates of two major STIs, chlamydia and gonorrhea, have significantly increased across New York City, with the exception of Staten Island, which is the only borough where one of the illnesses has decreased year over year.

Chlamydia rates were up 5.4% for women and 8% for men in the city, while they were almost unchanged on Staten Island. Meanwhile, gonorrhea rates rose 1.1% for women and 15.9% for men in the city, but Staten Island saw a little decrease.

Based on statistics from the city Health Department, charts display the rates of sexually transmitted illnesses per borough in recent years.Health Department of New York City

However, the data only includes people who have sought a diagnosis and therapy, according to experts.

For New Yorkers, undiagnosed and untreated STIs can lead to major health issues. Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse stated that the Health Department strongly supports routine testing and the adoption of preventive measures.

People who live in communities with very high poverty—defined as regions where 30% or more of the population lives below the federal poverty level—are disproportionately affected by gonorrhea and chlamydia, according to the city’s announcement.

Of all Manhattan neighborhoods, the Chelsea-Clinton neighborhood had the highest case rates for both illnesses in 2023.

Hunts Point-Mott Haven and Highbridge-Morrisania in the Bronx have high rates of chlamydia, whereas Central Harlem-Morningside Heights in Manhattan and Williamsburg-Bushwick in Brooklyn have high rates of gonorrhea.

On the other hand, Staten Island had the lowest incidence of both infections out of the five boroughs.

The municipal health department’s maps, which use the most recent data available, display the frequencies of sexually transmitted illnesses.Health Department of New York City

Chlamydia trends in New York City

One common bacterial STI that can be cured is chlamydia.

Since the virus frequently has no symptoms, many infected persons are unaware of it and may unintentionally spread it.

The prevalence of chlamydia rose by 5.4% in women and 8% in males between 2022 and 2023. According to the City Surveillance Report, the prevalence of chlamydia in men has risen to levels comparable to that in women in recent years.

Teenagers and young adults are the age group most susceptible to chlamydia among women. Women between the ages of 15 and 24 accounted for 56% of all cases in 2023, which is five times greater than the proportion for all women.

Chlamydia should be treated as soon as feasible. Although antibiotics can resolve the issue in a week or two, doctors advise you to take all of your medication, even if your symptoms become better.

According to Cleveland Health, if treatment is not received, it may result in severe complications and irreversible harm to your reproductive organs.

Gonorrhea trends in New York City

Bacteria are the cause of gonorrhea, a STI.

Many people have no symptoms when they have a gonorrhea infection. When symptoms do arise, they typically impact the vaginal system, though they might sometimes show up elsewhere.

According to local data, the gonorrhea rate rose by 1.1% among women and 15.9% among males between 2022 and 2023.

Since 2013, national gonorrhea rates among men have been greater than those among women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is probably due to an increase in testing and cases found in gay, bisexual, and other men who have intercourse with men.

The CDC emphasizes the need of taking all prescribed medications and guarantees that gonorrhea can be healed with the appropriate care.

However, the emergence of drug-resistant strains is making it more difficult to treat some instances. Talk to your doctor if symptoms don’t go away within a few days of medication.

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