YPSILANTI, Mich. – A new report from the Washtenaw County Health Department shows an increase in chlamydia and gonorrhea among teens despite a “promising decrease” of cases in the overall population.
Data shows that the combined number of cases reported by teens ages 13-17 increased by 23% between 2022 and 2023. There is also an increase in chlamydia in residents age 50 and older.
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Chlamydia and gonorrhea are a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that spread through sexual contact without a condom, according to the CDC. Pregnant women can also spread the infections to babies during birth.
The CDC states that many of those infected do not often have symptoms but if symptoms do occur, they can include discharge from sexual organs, burning while peeing, pain, bleeding, soreness and swelling.
Chlamydia can cause permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive system and make it very difficult to carry out a pregnancy.
“Many STIs have no obvious symptoms so it’s important to get tested regularly. Treatments are available for STIs, including chlamydia and gonorrhea,” said Washtenaw County Health Department epidemiologist Kaitlin Schwarz, MPH, in a release.
“This local data also is a good reminder for parents and guardians to talk to your teenagers about how to prevent STIs. Many local providers can provide low-cost, judgement-free testing and treatment.”
Despite rates being higher in those two groups, health department officials did see a 6% decrease in chlamydia cases reported around Washtenaw County and a decrease of 17% in gonorrhea cases.
“It’s encouraging to see our local chlamydia and gonorrhea case rates decreasing over the past several years,” Schwarz said. “Washtenaw STI rates have consistently remained below state rates.”
However, the report also shows disparities among zip codes in the county, with the Ypsilanti area having the highest rate of chlamydia cases. The 48103, area in Ann Arbor zip code shows a 7% increase in gonorrhea rates.
Residents can get many forms of testing through the WCHD including:
- STI testing
- Hepatitis B and C testing
- free HIV testing
- free pregnancy testing
- birth control counseling
- pap smears
Free condoms and lube are available in a vending machine at the Washtenaw County Health Department.
Residents can get vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and human papillomavirus virus (HPV) and Doxy-PEP (doxycycline) treatments to reduce the chance of getting chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis if exposed. Those who may have been exposed to HIV or who are at risk of exposure can get antiretroviral and antibiotic drugs, like PREP and PEP.
Learn more at washtenaw.org/sexualhealth or by calling 734-544-6700.
Read the full report here and find current Washtenaw County STI data here.