Let’s Break It Down
Chlamydia rates in the metro grew significantly in a 17-year period.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are infections passed between people, often through sexual contact, but may also spread through the sharing of needles, blood transfusions, or from mother to child during birth. The data indicates that adolescents ages 18-24 have the highest prevalence of chlamydia and gonorrhea in our community.
STI rates are measured per 100,000 people so that comparisons can be made across different communities. In Douglas, Sarpy and Pottawattamie Counties, reported chlamydia cases increased significantly in a 17-year period, from 2000 to 2017. In Douglas County, chlamydia rates went from 423 cases in 2000, to 654 cases in 2017. Pottawattamie County saw rates triple, with reported cases increasing from 201 in 2000, to 654 cases in 2017. In Sarpy County rates have doubled since 2000 from 192 in 2000 and 361 in 2017.
Meanwhile, the trend for gonorrhea cases has differed between counties. Douglas County saw a reduction in gonorrhea cases over the same 14-year period, going from 250 cases annually in 2000, to only 177 cases in 2014. However, since 2014 rates have increased with a rate of 280 cases in 2017. Annual gonorrhea rates in Pottawattamie County have doubled; increasing from 44 cases in 2000 to 96 in 2014 and have grown significantly since then with a rate of 255 in 2017. Sarpy County rates have almost tripled with 39 in 2000 to 91 in 2017.