2023 Update: U.S. Surveillance of Sexually Transmitted Infections

The incidence of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) climbed sharply during the last decade, with especially high numbers for syphilis (including congenital syphilis). Now, a 2023 CDC surveillance report of case numbers for syphilis (209,253), gonorrhea (601,319), and chlamydia (1,648,568) suggests that the trend may be abating.

Syphilis rates were 1% higher in 2023 than 2022, but cases of primary and secondary syphilis declined by 10%, especially among men who have sex with men. Cases of congenital syphilis continued to rise in number (3882 cases). Gonorrhea rates fell by 8% for the second year in a row, with the largest reduction among women. Chlamydia rates remained flat. In general, however, these STI rates mask stark ethnic…