CDC reports increase in most sexually transmitted diseases in 2020

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today reported a 15% increase in syphilis among newborns in 2020, as well as a 7% increase in syphilis and 10% increase in gonorrhea in other Americans. New STD cases declined early in 2020, likely due to decreased screening and diagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic, but resurged by the end of the year, CDC said. New chlamydia cases, which in the U.S. account for the largest proportion of reported STDs, declined 13% in 2020, also likely due to decreased screening rather than fewer infections, the agency said. While STDs are increasing across many groups, some racial and ethnic minority groups, gay and bisexual men, and youth continue to experience higher rates, the report notes.