That startling statistic is according to preliminary CDC data released this week. The data also show that sexually transmitted infections hit a record high for the second straight year in 2021. Syphilis rates rose 26% in 2021, HIV cases rose 16%, Gonorrhea rose 2.8% and Chlamydia rose 3%. The CDC is pointing to a reduction in local STD screening and treatment, plus more needle sharing from drug use and a decrease in condom usage. The statistics have health experts warning that the U.S. must invest significantly more funding in prevention efforts, especially as the nation continues to battle COVID-19 and monkeypox.
