NYC Health Department Unveils 2023 Data On Rising Sexually Transmitted Infections

Today, the New York City Health Department released its 2023 Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Surveillance Report, which shows that STIs increased overall compared with 2022.

These data emphasize the need for New Yorkers to regularly get tested and use prevention methods that work for them. 2023 STI surveillance data show the first substantial decline in syphilis rates in more than two decades.

“Undiagnosed and untreated STIs can cause serious health problems for New Yorkers. The Health Department strongly encourages regular testing and the use of preventive measures,” said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. “The 2023 STI Surveillance Report data remind us that the city must continue to invest in increased and equitable access to testing, treatment, and prevention services, and address the inequities that prevent too many New Yorkers from accessing vital resources.”

From 2022 to 2023:

• Primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis rates decreased 22.6 percent.
• Early latent syphilis rates decreased 19.8 percent overall, with a 22.1 percent decrease among men and a 5.8 percent increase among women.
• Congenital syphilis, which occurs when a pregnant person passes syphilis to the fetus during pregnancy, increased 67 percent.
• Chlamydia rates increased 8.0 percent among men and 5.4 percent among women.
  • Among women, 56 percent of chlamydia cases were among those ages 15 to 24 years.
• From 2022 to 2023, gonorrhea rates increased 15.9 percent among men and 1.1 percent among women.

Inequities between racial and ethnic groups, and by age group, gender and neighborhood poverty level persisted for all reported STIs. For example:

• For P&S syphilis, the rate among Black men was 2.5 times higher than among white men.
• The rate among Black women was 9.9 times higher than among white women.

These inequities are a direct result of the impacts of structural forms of oppression that impede access and availability of STI testing, treatment, and prevention, underscoring the need to ensure more equitable access to sexual health services. The Health Department remains committed to improving these impacts through comprehensive, tailored programming, service delivery, policy recommendations, and community outreach.

Rates of STIs continue to vary by neighborhood. In 2023, the highest case rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and early syphilis were among residents in Manhattan’s Chelsea-Clinton neighborhood. Other neighborhoods with high STI case rates in 2023 included Hunts Point-Mott Haven and Highbridge-Morrisania in the Bronx for chlamydia, Central Harlem-Morningside Heights in Manhattan and Williamsburg-Bushwick in Brooklyn for gonorrhea, and Highbridge-Morrisania and Crotona-Tremont in the Bronx for early syphilis.

In 2023, there were 204 mpox cases in New York City, a sharp decline from case numbers during the 2022 outbreak. Mpox cases were predominantly among people gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men; people ages 25 to 34 years; and white and Hispanic or Latino people.

“The 2023 STI Surveillance Report underscores the critical importance of barrier-free STI testing, treatment, and prevention for youth,” said Dr. Angela Diaz, Director of the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center. “Adolescent girls and young women consistently have the highest rates of chlamydia of any age group, but not all youth are affected equally. Black and Latina youth continue to be disproportionately impacted. Young New Yorkers need and deserve access to services that are confidential, judgment-free, culturally responsive, and provided at no cost. By ensuring STI services target those most in need, we can provide all NYC youth the tools, knowledge, and support they need to grow into the healthiest version of themselves.”

“STI and HIV assessments within strong nonjudgmental primary care relationships, particularly for our teenagers and young adults, combined with cutting-edge prevention strategies, are our strongest tools in reducing rates and breaking the stigma,” said Dr. David Bell, Professor in the Department of Pediatrics and the Department of Population and Family Health at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center. “Every clinician, especially in primary care, holds the responsibility to champion this public health mission and drive meaningful progress for our communities.”

“Getting tested for STIs on a regular basis is an important action that all New Yorkers can take to optimize their health,” said Dr. Wendy Wilcox, Chief Women’s Health Officer of New York City Health + Hospitals. “Not only does it allow for early detection and treatment, but it can prevent adverse health outcomes such as infertility and, in some cases, even cancer. Taking care of your sexual health is a critical step to taking care of your overall health. Speak to your health care provider and make this a resolution that you will keep all year long!”

The NYC Sexual Health Clinics and Sexual Health Clinic Hotline offer low- to no-cost services for HIV and other STIs, contraceptive care, and medication abortion. Anyone 12 years or older can receive confidential services, regardless of immigration status. For telemedicine services, call the Sexual Health Clinic Hotline at 347-396-7959, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information, including clinic locations, hours of operations, and available services, visit nyc.gov/health/sexualhealthclinics.

To find STI and HIV services or free safer sex product distribution sites in New York City, visit the NYC Health Map.

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