CDC: Record Number of STI Cases in the United States

CDC: Record Number of STI Cases in the United States

MAX TRAN Staff Writer

 

The Center of Disease Control and Prevention released a recent report regarding STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) in the United States. The report states that cases of STIs are on the rise. According to CBS News, reports found that in 2017, Gonorrhea cases increased by 67 percent, Syphilis cases by 76 percent and Chlamydia cases by 100,000 from last year. NPR reports that this is the fourth year in a row that cases of STIs have increased in the United States. This was unusual because STI cases had been decreasing. Michael Fraser, executive director for ASHTO (Association of State and Territorial Health Officials), stated that doctors are not screening and testing for STIs as often. “People aren’t afraid of dying anymore,” Biology teacher Jennie Malonek said. “In the 1980’s… people were afraid to have sex because they were afraid of dying.” David Harvey, executive director of the National Coalition of STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) Directors, believes that the youth are the most vulnerable people to STIs and that there is not enough screening for young people in the United States.