Added on July 22, 2024 Sara Swanson

STI report shows increase in chlamydia in Manchester

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According to a new report, chlamydia has increased in Manchester, and county-wide, among teens 13 to 17. Photo credit: “Teens sharing a song” by SCA Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget.

by Sara Swanson

A new chlamydia and gonorrhea report from the Washtenaw County Health Department (WCHD) shows a promising decrease in overall Washtenaw County cases but the Manchester area is headed in the wrong direction, with an increase in chlamydia in the Manchester area.

The overall rate of chlamydia cases in Washtenaw County decreased 6% from 2022 to 2023, however chlamydia cases increased 40% in the 48158 zip code over that period of time, surpassed only by Whitmore Lake’s 48189 zip code, which had a 42% increase. (It is important to note that when compared in numbers of cases of chlamydia, other areas of the county have the highest.)

Gonorrhea rates decreased consistently across the county, including Manchester, from 2022 to 2023 with an average 17% decrease in cases (with the exception of Ann Arbor area zip code 48103, where the rate of cases increased 7%).

Though overall cases are trending down countywide, there are increases among some subgroups. For local 13- to 17-year-olds, combined chlamydia and gonorrhea case rates increased 23% from 2022 to 2023. Chlamydia cases also increased among those 50 and older.

There are also racial inequities in local cases. The most substantial increases in cases by race/ethnicity were in Hispanic or Latino residents: chlamydia diagnoses increased 12% and gonorrhea diagnoses increased 81% among this group. Gonorrhea cases declined in Black/African American residents, but chlamydia cases increased 7%.

“Many STIs have no obvious symptoms so it’s important to get tested regularly. Treatments are available for STIs, including chlamydia and gonorrhea,” states Kaitlin Schwarz, MPH, WCHD epidemiologist. The WCHD encourages sexually active residents to take steps to prevent infections and get tested for STIs regularly.

“This local data also is a good reminder for parents and guardians to talk to your teenagers about how to prevent STIs. Many local providers can provide low-cost, judgement-free testing and treatment,” continues Schwarz.

Read the full report at bit.ly/wccg24. Additional local HIV and STI data can be found at washtenaw.org/1363/HIV-STI-Data.

STI Prevention and Treatment Information from WCHD

While gonorrhea and chlamydia are preventable and treatable, they can cause serious health problems if left untreated. Understanding risk, reducing your number of sexual partners, and consistently and correctly using condoms are all effective prevention strategies.

Local HIV and STI testing providers include the WCHD, Planned Parenthood, Unified, and the Corner Health Center. Many primary health care providers and women’s health care providers also offer testing and treatment.

Doxy-PEP (doxycycline) is a medication that can significantly reduce one’s chances of getting chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis after condomless sex. It should be taken within 24 hours but no later than 72 hours after condomless sex. Contact your health care provider or the Health Department to ask about doxy-PEP.

The Health Department also provides free condoms and can help with partner notification, treatment, sexual health education, and more. PreP and PEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis and post-exposure prophylaxis, which are prevention options for people at high risk of getting HIV) and vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and human papillomavirus virus (HPV) are available as well. Learn more at washtenaw.org/sexualhealth or call 734-544-6700.

The Washtenaw County Health Department promotes health and works to prevent disease and injury in our community. Our mission is to assure, in partnership with the community, the conditions necessary for people to live healthy lives through prevention and protection programs. Visit us at washtenaw.org/health or call 734-544-6700. The Health Department also provides frequent social media updates (@wcpublichealth) and sends regular email updates; sign up at http://bit.ly/WCHD555.