Report: Number Of Reported STD Cases Up In 2014

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – New statistics from the Department of Health show that the number of reportable sexually transmitted diseases in Minnesota increased by 6 percent in the last year, with chlamydia being the most reported disease.

The Health Department announced Thursday that there were 24,599 STD cases reported in the state in 2014, compared to 23,133 cases in 2013.

Chlamydia was the most common STD reported last year, with the number of cases reaching a new high of nearly 20,000. Most of the cases occurred in teens and young adults, and one in three of the cases occurred in greater Minnesota.

Gonorrhea was the second most reported STD (4,073 cases) and Syphilis was the third (629). These two diseases mostly affect the Twin Cities metro area, and for the first time in 10 years, the rate of gonorrhea is higher in males than in females.

The Health Department noted in a press release that the rates of all three diseases are higher in minority communities.

Since most STDs don't show symptoms, sexually active people are encouraged to get tested every year or every time they become involved with a new partner.