Population growth and an increase in testing may be to thank for rising rates of sexually transmitted diseases in Washington state and Clark County, according to Kari Haecker, Clark County Public Health program manager for STD/HIV prevention.
“The higher population you have, the more STDs you’re going to have,” Haecker said, adding that population growth in Portland is also a factor. “Disease does not stop at the river.”
The screening guidelines put out by the Centers for Disease Control also changed in 2015, so more people are being tested. There’s also the concerted effort by Clark County Public Health to interview every person who tests positive for gonorrhea.
“We’re getting their sexual partners, so we’re getting more people tested and treated,” she said.
In Clark County, the rate of occurrence for gonorrhea is 108.5 cases per 100,000 people. That’s up from a rate of 85.9 in 2016. Rates of syphilis and herpes are also increasing, with 7 cases and 64.8 cases per 100,000 people respectively in 2017. Those rates were 4.6 and 50.1 in 2016.
Chlamydia, however, saw a slight decrease. The rate of occurrence last year was 393.8 per 100,000 compared with 414.7 in 2016.
Haecker attributed the decrease in chlamydia to the effectiveness of expedited partner therapy. If someone in a heterosexual relationship is diagnosed with chlamydia, they can get a prescription for treatment for themselves and any partners. Since those partners were able to receive treatment without being checked, the number of cases aren’t being fully reported, Haecker said.
Consistent and correct condom use is still the best way to prevent disease, she said. Talking to your partner also helps.
“If you have a new partner possibly getting tested before engaging in sexual activity so if you have something you can take care of it before passing on to someone else (is also recommended),” Haecker added.
