STD Rates On The Rise In Nevada, Washoe County Health District Confirms

NEVADA – The number of reported cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Nevada has increased, pushing the state’s incidence to fourth highest in the country.

STD rates were far lower two decades earlier, as reported by the Washoe County Health District.

According to a recent study, syphilis was all but eradicated by the year 2000, while chlamydia was simpler to diagnose.

When it comes to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia, Nevada now has the fourth largest increase in incidence in the entire US.

Although chlamydia is more common, researchers are worried about the spread of syphilis.

As far as the public is concerned, they would like it to know the following:

Cases of HIV: 11,042
Cases of chlamydia: 14,739
Cases of Gonorrhea: 6,364
Cases of syphilis: 813
Infected people tend to be between the ages of 35 and 40.

“People assume their provider are not asking and they are not having symptoms so they think don’t have to get tested and they do,” said Jennifer Howell, MPH, coordinator of the sexual health program for the Washoe County Health District. “Because chlamydia and gonorrhea are asymptomatic, so is syphilis, so it might be somewhere that you or your partner can’t see it.”

Since STDs are difficult to detect immediately, the Washoe County Health District recommends being tested every year as a preventative measure and every time you meet a new partner.

You may find more details at www.washoecounty.gov/sexualhealth.

Credits: Fox Reno