Although the number of reported sexually transmitted infections dropped 3 percent from 2022 to 2023, health officials say Minnesota’s infection rates are still high and that new HIV and congenital syphilis cases are surging.
The figures, from the new Annual Summary of Reportable STIs in Minnesota, show there were 32,072 cases reported in 2022. In 2023, that number dropped to 31,232.
However, during that same time, 324 cases of HIV were reported, marking a 24 percent increase in the number of HIV infections and the largest number of new cases in a decade. In addition, there were 29 cases of congenital syphilis, marking a 44 percent increase at the highest level seen in at least 40 years. Congenital syphilis occurs when a pregnant woman passes the infection to her fetus during pregnancy, the Minnesota Department of Health said in a press release.
“STIs and HIV are highly preventable, but we continue to see high numbers of reported cases and the large increase in HIV and congenital syphilis infections is troubling,” said Dr. Ruth Lynfield, state epidemiologist and medical director at MDH. “To reverse these trends, we urge anyone who is sexually active to reduce the risk to themselves and others with prevention steps, testing and treatment.”
The report found other trends in 2023 including:
Chlamydia remained the most reported STI with 21,767 cases, down 1.6 percent from 2022.
People ages 15-24 accounted for 59 percent of all cases.
Gonorrhea was the second most reported STI with 7,717 cases, a 5.5 percent decrease from 2022.
Syphilis cases (not congenital syphilis) dropped 5 percent. In past years, most of these cases were among men who had sex with men, but in 2023, the cases were up 10 percent for females.
“It is encouraging to see a decrease in overall cases reported, but we are concerned about the continued high levels of syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea as well as the increase in reported HIV infections,” said Christine Jones, STI, HIV and TB section manager for MDH. “We are also concerned about the inequities of how these diseases impact some people more than others.”
In 2023, the report said, Minnesotans identifying as Hispanic comprised 22 percent of new HIV diagnoses, which was up an average of 14 percent over the past five years. Now 66 percent of new HIV cases affect communities of color, the press release said.
For more information, people can visit the Minnesota Family Planning & STI Hotline website and MDH HIV Prevention Grantees for testing sites and other resources.
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