Marion County has 537.5% Increase in Syphilis from 2011 to 2015

High risk: half of all new STI's occur among young people aged 15 to 24

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(SALEM, Ore.) - Nearly 20 million new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) occur in the United States every year costing the American healthcare system nearly $16 billion dollars in direct medical costs alone, says a report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

America's youth shoulder a substantial burden of these infections. CDC estimates that half of all new STI's in the country occur among young men and women aged 15 to 24.

In Marion County there has been a 537.5% increase in rates of new cases for all stages of syphilis, a 154.9% increase in gonorrhea incidence rates, and a 12.2% increase in Chlamydia rates from 2011 to 2015.

It is essential that sexually active individuals receive screening for STIs to avoid health complications associated with STIs.

The high incidence of STIs in the general population suggests that many Americans are at risk of exposure to STIs, underscoring the need for more effective screening and treatment processes to catch illness early and more effective messaging about disease prevention.

STI screening, early diagnosis, and treatment are essential in preventing transmission and the long term health consequences of STIs.

To receive screenings for STIs, visit your private care provider or local health department.

Abstaining from sex, reducing the number of sexual partners, and consistently and correctly using condoms every time you have sex are all effective ways to protect yourself from STIs.

For all individuals who are sexually active, particularly young people, STI screening and prompt treatment (if infected) are critical to protect a person's health and prevent transmission to others.

More information about STIs is available at www.co.marion.or.us/HLT/PH/Pages/sti.aspx or www.cdc.gov/std.