STI Rates 2024: Syphilis Cases Rise, Overall STI Decline Reported – CDC Data

STI Rates 2024: Syphilis Cases Rise, Overall STI Decline Reported – CDC Data

February 2, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Health

New data from the CDC indicates a complex shift in the landscape of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States. While cases of newborn syphilis continue to rise, reaching nearly 4,000 in 2024 – marking the 12th consecutive year of increase – other STIs are showing signs of decline.

A Concerning Trend in Newborn Syphilis

The number of newborn syphilis cases in 2024 represents an almost 700% increase since 2015, when 495 cases were reported. Although the increase in 2024, at nearly 2%, is lower than the double-digit increases seen in recent years, the ongoing rise remains a serious public health concern. Newborn syphilis is described as a deadly, yet preventable, consequence of the broader STI epidemic.

Did You Know? In 2015, there were just 495 reported cases of newborn syphilis in the United States.

Overall STI Numbers Show Mixed Signals

In 2024, more than 2.2 million cases of STIs were reported across the country, a 13% increase since 2015. However, the data also reveals encouraging trends. Overall reported STIs declined by 9% from 2023, marking the third consecutive year of decline. Primary and secondary syphilis, the most infectious stages of the disease, decreased by nearly 22%, also for the second year in a row.

Declines in Other STIs

The positive trends extend to other common STIs. Gonorrhea cases declined by almost 10% and chlamydia cases decreased by 8%, both representing a third and second consecutive year of decline, respectively. These declines are attributed to public health efforts, increased awareness, and the expanded use of prevention tools.

Expert Insight: The recent declines in several STIs suggest that targeted public health interventions, including increased access to testing and preventative measures, can have a meaningful impact on curbing the spread of these infections.

these are provisional data and trends may vary across different regions and populations. Some communities may not yet be experiencing the same declines reflected in the national data.

Looking Ahead

The current situation suggests that the STI epidemic may be beginning to stabilize, but continued vigilance and sustained public health efforts are crucial. Ongoing initiatives, such as increased access to self-tests and doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy PEP), could further contribute to declines in STI rates. However, it is also likely that regional variations will persist, requiring tailored interventions to address local needs. Analysts expect continued monitoring of these trends to inform future public health strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is congenital syphilis?

Newborn syphilis, also known as congenital syphilis, is a deadly but preventable consequence of the nation’s ongoing sexually transmitted infections (STI) epidemic.

What tools are being used to prevent STIs?

Public health efforts include greater awareness of the STI epidemic and expanded use of prevention tools such as self-tests and doxycycline PEP.

Are STI rates the same across the country?

While the national picture shows progress, trends vary across regions and populations, and some communities may still experience increases not reflected by the newest provisional 2024 national data.

How can communities work together to address the ongoing challenges of STI prevention and treatment?