The number of U.S. residents diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) hit a record high in 2018, with almost 2.46 million reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and other STIs, according to a CDC report released this week. The report noted that the rate of STIs has increased steadily since 2014, and the report’s authors blamed budget cuts at both the state and local level for the increases. The authors wrote that the cuts resulted in staff reductions and clinic closures, which in turn led to fewer screenings and patient follow-ups. (Source: Reuters, 10/8)
