Combined cases of syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia reached an all-time high in the United States in 2018, according to a recent CDC report.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is urging regular testing among sexually active individuals to help stop the spread of those sexually transmitted diseases.
According to 2018 state-level STD data, Michigan is reflecting national trends.
"Many infected people are unaware of their status which allows them to unknowingly pass it to their partners,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy for health, in a press release. “All sexually active individuals should speak to their health care provider about regular testing so they can get proper treatment and prevent the spread of disease.”
The state has experienced between 45,000 and 51,000 cases of chlamydia annually since 2008, and in 2018, reports increased to just over 51,000. Gonorrhea cases have climbed 70 percent since 2014, including a 10 percent jump in 2018 to 16,922 cases. Reports of syphilis had dropped following an outbreak in 2013, but jumped 36 percent in 2018 to 654 cases.
To ensure that STD screening and treatment are accessible to those at highest risk, MDHHS has established STD specialty care centers to increase service options in select areas.
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