The number of sexually transmitted disease cases dropped in 2024, but thousands of newborns were still infected, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released on Sept. 24.
Some 2.24 million combined cases of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia were recorded in 2024, down 8.5 percent from 2023, the CDC said in a provisional report.
Cases of gonorrhea dropped 7.5 percent to 564,489. Cases of chlamydia dropped 8 percent to 1.5 million. And there were declines for various categories of syphilis—except for congenital syphilis, which increased 1.6 percent to 3,941 cases. That number was also up 82 percent from five years ago, while the combined case count of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) was 13 percent higher than 10 years ago.
The 2024 data is provisional. It is expected to be finalized in 2026. Some states have not yet reported STI data to the CDC as the agency moves to a new health data platform.
“Once finalized, case counts will likely change slightly, but CDC does not anticipate substantial changes to rates and national trends provided in this provisional report,” the CDC stated.
“While the STI epidemic may be turning a corner, we must accelerate progress and stop its most tragic consequences,” Dr. Bradley Stoner, director of the CDC’s Division of STD Prevention, said in a statement. “About 1 in 5 people in the United States have an STI, affecting millions of Americans and thousands of babies each year. We need to continue our prevention efforts wholeheartedly at federal, state, and local levels.”
The only way to completely avoid STIs is by not having sex, the CDC says. There are ways to reduce the chances of infection if having sex, including by being in a long-term monogamous relationship with a partner who has tested negative for the STIs and using doxycycline, an antibiotic that can be taken after sex.
STIs can be contracted through having unprotected sex with a partner who has an STI. Symptoms of syphilis can include sores in, on, or around private areas, as well as the lips and mouth. Gonorrhea and chlamydia symptoms can include a burning sensation when using the bathroom.
STIs are treatable with antibiotics.
Congenital syphilis occurs in newborns when the mother has syphilis and passes it to the baby. Congenital syphilis can cause serious issues, including death shortly after birth. The babies can also be treated with antibiotics.
Pregnant women should take steps to reduce the risk of contracting syphilis, such as ensuring a condom is used if having intercourse, the CDC says.