Federal officials report sexually transmitted disease cases reached a record high in the United States in 2015. There were more than 1.5 million cases of chlamydia, nearly 400 thousand gonorrhea cases, and nearly 24,000 cases of primary and secondary syphilis. Officials said these results showcase the need for increased STD prevention efforts, especially among those at greatest risk. More than half of state and local STD programs have had their budgets cut in recent years. Those cuts influenced the closures of more than 20 health department STD clinics in a year. Fewer clinics mean people have reduced access to STD testing and treatment. Many STD cases go undiagnosed and untreated. This puts people at risk for severe and permanent health effects such as chronic pain, infertility and increased risk for HIV.
