AUSTIN, Texas — Austin is seeing an increase in sexually-transmitted infections (STIs).
Austin Public Health (APH) officials are urging residents to get tested amid rising numbers of STIs. Doing so can help prevent the spread of infection.
“Anyone can get an STI, but many don’t show symptoms,” said Dr. Desmar Walkes, the Austin-Travis County Public Health Authority. “At the same time, many STIs can be treated, and early detection can prevent major complications and spread. With the rate of infection rising nationally and locally, we urge everyone to get tested regularly and treat any infections as soon as possible.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the levels of many STIs – including chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis – have increased across the nation. APH said the most current data available from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) shows some "alarming" local statistics, including:
- The number of new chlamydia infections per person remains stable but high at 614.8 cases per 100,000 population in 2020
- The rate of new cases of gonorrhea per person for Travis County has been steadily increasing, with a 50% increase from 2015 to 2020
- In 2015, the number of new primary and secondary syphilis cases per person in Travis County was 15.7 per 100,000 population. In the five years after, cases increased by 30% to 20.7 cases per 100,000 population in 2020
- The new infection rate for HIV has been declining in Travis County since 2015, but disparities remain. According to APH, Black women in Travis County have the highest rate of new HIV diagnoses compared to women of other races and ethnicities
This also isn't the first time this year that an increase in STIs has been reported in our area. In April, APH raised awareness about an increase in STIs in Travis County.
Meanwhile, in August, it was reported that thousands more people sought treatment for STIs in Travis County in 2022 compared to 2021.
The City of Austin offers free and low-cost resources for STI testing and treatment to anyone who is interested. Those resources include:
- 3rd Annual LGBTQIA+ Health and Resource Fair – Dec. 9, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Permitting and Development Center, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive. Free parking is available with validation, and this event offers STI/HIV testing, resources from community organizations, entertainment and more
- RBJ Sexual Health Clinic – Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 15 Waller St. Appointments are recommended, and it's $20 for testing and treatment of common STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV
- Red Ribbon program – free testing for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis throughout the City by appointment or at the mobile clinic