Sexually transmitted diseases rose to another record high in Minnesota last year, with double-digit increases in syphilis and gonorrhea, two infections that can have severe health consequences if left undetected, state health officials said Thursday.
The increases come at time when teen pregnancy rates are on the decline and the number of new HIV infections has fallen slightly — suggesting that sexually active Minnesotans are taking some precautions but lack awareness about the dangers of some commonly spread STDs.
Compounding the problem is that some of the diseases produce few or no symptoms at the time of infection, which increases the chances that they will be passed on unknowingly to others through unprotected sex.
Minnesota saw double-digit increases last year in cases of syphilis, which jumped 30 percent, as well as gonorrhea, which rose 25 percent.
"The percentage increases in syphilis and gonorrhea are really concerning," said Dr. Nicholas Vogenthaler, an infectious disease physician at Hennepin County Medical Center and medical director of the Red Door Clinic, an STD testing site.
"This often involves folks who are a bit younger and more difficult to engage in routine health care," he said. "We have to make sure we do a good job providing them accessible services outside of the normal health care choices."
Chlamydia, by far the most prevalent infection passed through sexual activity, increased 7 percent. With nearly 22,700 cases last year, it has exploded over the past decade, posting a 71 percent increase since 2006.
Overall, STD infections rose 10 percent for the year, with notable increases among people who use drugs, particularly heroin, opiates and methamphetamine.