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Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Who has it?
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most frequently reported infectious disease in the United States. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 783,424 cases of chlamydia in 2001. In 2004, the number jumped to 929,462 cases of chlamydial infections. Based on CDC data, the number of reported cases of chlamydia has more than doubled in the past 10 years. Of those cases reported, 4 out of every 5 occurred in individuals under 25 years of age. Among teenagers, approximately 15% of sexually active girls and 5% to 10% of sexually active boys have chlamydial infections.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is the second most frequently reported STI in the United States, following chlamydia. According to the CDC, 361,705 gonorrhea cases were reported in 2001 but was decreased to 330,132 cases in 2004. Although this trend seems favorable, gonorrhea still remains prevalent in the Southwestern states, especially among minorities and adolescents of racial and ethic groups. The highest rates of gonorrhea infection are seen in blacks, Hispanic, and Native American populations, with Asian/Pacific being the lowest (less than 100 cases per 100,000 people). The highest rates of infection are usually found in women 15 to 19 years of age and men age 20 to 24 years.
Syphilis
In 2004, primary and secondary syphilis cases reported to CDC increased to 7,980 from 7,177 in 2003, an increase of 11.2%.More cases probably occur each year than what is actually reported to health officials. Syphilis occurs primarily in individuals aged 20 to 39 years, and the reported rate in men was 1.5 times greater than the rate in women. The incidence of syphilis was highest in women aged 20 to 29 years and in men 30 to 39 years of age.
Trichomoniasis
Any sexually active person can be infected with trichomoniasis. According to the CDC, 221,000 cases were reported, an increase of 23 percent from 2003. About 5 million Americans develop trichomoniasis every year. It has been found in:
- 5%-15% of women at gynecology clinics
- 50%-75% of prostitutes in the United States
It is often diagnosed in patients who are already infected with other STIs such as gonorrhea.
Genital Herpes
According to the CDC, 269,000 cases were reported in 2004, an increase of 32 percent from 2003. About 45 million Americans, age 12 and older have had genital herpes in their lifetime. It?s estimated that up to one million people become infected each year. Genital herpes (HSV-2) is more common in women than men.
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Who has it?
