New data highlights which states have the highest rates of STIs, raising concerns about public health.
Jackson: Some states are really struggling with sexually transmitted infections. A recent report shows where the risks are highest.
According to Universal Drugstore’s “Sexual Health Index,” Mississippi tops the list as the worst state for STIs. They have a staggering chlamydia rate of 700 cases per 100,000 people.
Mississippi also has the lowest HPV vaccination rate at just 38.5%, which is over 20% lower than the national average. That’s a big concern!
Next up is Alaska, which might seem surprising. They scored 8.47, but their small population means their STI rates are pretty alarming. Gonorrhea rates there are 251.1 per 100,000, and chlamydia is even higher at 700.9.
North Carolina comes in third with a chlamydia rate of nearly 608 per 100,000. Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina, Nevada, and Florida follow closely behind.
Georgia has the highest HIV rates, with 23.1 cases per 100,000 residents, which is more than double the national average. On the flip side, Minnesota has the lowest at just 4.5.
Interestingly, Arkansas has seen a huge spike in HIV cases, with a 66.7% increase since 2018. Meanwhile, the overall US saw a 13.5% drop in HIV cases during the same period.
Young people, especially those aged 20-24, are the most affected by chlamydia and gonorrhea. Dr. Jamie Winn from Universal Drugstore emphasizes the need for better sex education to help combat these rising rates.
He points out that while abstinence is the only foolproof way to prevent STIs, teens are curious and often experiment. So, comprehensive sex education is crucial for their safety and well-being.
