The number of cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Minnesota climbed to a new high of 17,057 in 2007, according to new data released by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for National STD Awareness Month in April. Reportable STDs in Minnesota include chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. The number of cases of STDs in 2006 was 16,428.

“The rate of chlamydia, which can cause infertility, has more than doubled in the past 12 years and is the driving force behind these record number of STD cases,” said Peter Carr, director of the STD and HIV Section at MDH. “Chlamydia accounted for more than three-fourths of the total number of cases.”

Health officials noted that among the 13,412-chlamydia cases, nearly 70 percent occurred in teens and young adults ages 15 to 24. Rates remain elevated among communities of color. The greatest increases for chlamydia, compared to 2006 data, have been in Greater Minnesota with an 8 percent increase, and in Twin City suburbs with a 4 percent increase.

“In part, the rising chlamydia numbers reflect a more concerted effort by our clinicians to do more testing. Data from the Minnesota Community Measurement 2007 Health Care Quality Report show that the percentage of sexually active 16 to 25 year-old women screened for chlamydia has increased from 26 percent in 2003 to 41 percent in 2007 ” said Carr. “About 3 out of 4 females and 1 out of 2 males will show no symptoms once infected. Routine testing, even in the absence of symptoms, is the only way to detect these cases.”

Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) call for annual screenings of all sexually active women aged 25 and under and for women over 25 that have risk factors such as a new sexual partner. Health officials noted that electronic patient records that incorporate screening guidelines are effective in reminding clinicians about screening.

“We also saw an increase in the number of gonorrhea and syphilis cases reported in 2007,” said Carr. “Both of these STDs are serious if not detected and treated in their early stages.”

Gonorrhea remained the second most commonly reported STD in Minnesota with 3,459 cases reported in 2007, a 5 percent increase compared to 2006. The state has averaged around 3,200 reported cases of gonorrhea in each of the last 6 years.

Untreated gonorrhea, like chlamydia, can also lead to infertility in both men and women. Gonorrhea can spread to organs and joints and these conditions can be life threatening. Both chlamydia and gonorrhea can be passed to newborns during childbirth causing blindness if the infant is not treated. Health officials point out that untreated syphilis can lead to some of the most serious health consequences such as blindness, mental illness, dementia and death. There is a 2 to 5 fold increased risk of getting HIV infection when syphilis is present.

The complete STD Surveillance Report – 2007, STD fact sheets, and information about National STD Awareness Month (April) can be found on the MDH website at: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/dtopics/stds/index.html.

The new CDC treatment guidelines for STDs are available online at: http://www.cdc.gov/STD/treatment/default.htm.

For confidential information about the prevention, testing locations and treatment of STDs, call the Minnesota Family Planning & STD Hotline, toll free, at 1-800-78-FACTS (voice or TTY), 651-645-9360 (Twin Cities Metro area).