2019 data shows all-time high for reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis in Colorado

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO)- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says while sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) affect several age groups, data shows STDs particularly take a toll on young people. Data released by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment furthers that point.

In 2018, the CDC estimates that people between 15 and 24 accounted for almost half of the 26 million new sexually transmitted infections across the United States.

A 2019 annual state report on STIs by the CDPHE showed Colorado experienced the highest rates on record for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

Data shows chlamydia cases affected the 15-19 age group. However, syphilis cases tended to stem from older demographics.

The report also showed Pueblo County had the third-highest reports of chlamydia cases, the second-highest reports of gonorrhea, and the second-highest reports of primary and secondary syphilis cases.

CDC data show between March 2020 and April 2020, reported STD cases heavily decreased compared to the same time in 2019. However, an uptick in gonorrhea and syphilis cases later in the year suggests overall STDs may have increased during 2020.

Testing resumed the weekly STD cases increased by 101% for chlamydia, 135% for gonorrhea, and 151% for syphilis by December of 2020.