Health department says rise in STIs is a ‘wake-up call’ for Pueblo

PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- For the last five years, Pueblo County has consistently reported higher numbers of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) compared to the rest of the state. Now, the health department is saying these numbers are a wake-up call for better access to medical care.

According to the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment (PDPHE), Pueblo County has "historically been a county of higher STI rates compared to counties throughout Colorado."

Justin Gage, the program manager with the PDPHE, said Pueblo County has a higher number of reported chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis cases.

Below is a breakdown of STI rates per 1,000 for the last five years.

When asked why Pueblo County has higher numbers than the rest of the state, including larger counties, the PDPHE said they don't have a definitive answer but believe it's due to a lack of education on STIs.

Gage said the PDPHE is actively working to increase education on these topics to help decrease numbers in Pueblo.

The PDPHE has developed an STI coalition meant to find community solutions to increase awareness and increase education. Department officials also said they're working to develop a media outreach plan.

"We're also developing a program here to do a lot of media outreach. So you'll be seeing some billboards and bus benches and things within our neighborhood, as well as some TV commercials promoting our GoTarawebsite. That has a lot of STI resources on there," said Gage.

Go Ask Tara offers a confidential and anonymous messaging service for anyone seeking information on sexual health.

The PEPHE recommends people get tested at least once a year and always use protection, like condoms.

Health officials told KRDO they want to remind the community that an STI can happen to anyone and some are difficult to detect.

"Unfortunately, this could kind of happen to anybody. A handful of these STIs have no symptoms. So you may not even know that you have an STI. So that is why it's best to get tested. Know your status even if you only have limited partners. If you've been with the same partner, it's still worth getting tested once a year at the minimum," said Gage.

The PDPHE is also working to break the stigma around talking about STIs.

"We think being very direct about your testing status, that that you've gotten tested recently. That's very important and can build up a relationship as well," said Gage.

Gage also said the PDPHE is also concerned with pregnant moms transmitting syphilis to their unborn children.

"Syphilis can be passed down to their babies when they have syphilis," explained Gage. "They need to make sure that they're getting treatment for this. So make sure you're getting tested."

Parents are encouraged to have an open and honest dialogue about the risks of STIs with their children and make sure they're educated on safe sex.

The PDPHE has a list of clinics to get tested on their website here.

They also have an appointment to get tested at the PDPHE clinic based on income status.