Download Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Boston, 2012 STI Rates

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Boston,
2012
In Boston, rates for both
Chlamydia and gonorrhea
increased from 2011 to 2012,
while syphilis rates decreased
slightly.
Of the three, Chlamydia has
increased the most since 2008,
consistently rising every year.
While disease rates are related to
incidence of disease, they are also
influenced by testing and
reporting practices.
STI Rates, 2008-2012
Rate Per 100,000
900
690
704
752
778
781
Syphilis
600
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
300
0
119
107
127
110
133
34
33
38
41
39
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Data source: Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Note: STI surveillance data were collected by MDPH and cannot be validated by BPHC
A larger percentage of Chlamydia
cases are among females ages 1524 where as a larger percentage
of syphilis cases are among males
ages 40+.
Although Chlamydia rates overall
continue to rise, the age-specific
rate among 15-24 year olds
decreased by five percent from
2011 to 2012.
In 2012, 63% of syphilis cases
were reported among men who
have sex with men (MSM).
Percent of STI Cases by Age Group,
2012
15-19
Syphilis
20-24
25-29
Gonorrhea
30-39
40-49
Chlamydia
50+
0%
50%
100%
Percent STI Cases by Gender, 2012
Syphilis
Gonorrhea rates increased 20%
from 2011 to 2012.
Gonorrhea
Preliminary race/ethnicity data
suggest that over half of
Chlamydia and gonorrhea cases
are among communities of color.
Chlamydia
Male
Female
0%
50%
100%
Data source: Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Note: STI surveillance data were collected by MDPH and cannot be validated by BPHC
Boston Public Health Commission · Infectious Disease Bureau
1010 Massachusetts Ave · Boston, MA 02118
Phone: (617) 534-5611 · Fax: (617) 534-5905
STI Rates by Boston Neighborhood, 2012
Mattapan, North Dorchester, Roxbury,
and South Dorchester had the highest
incidence rates of Chlamydia in 2012.
North Dorchester, the South End, South
Dorchester, and Roxbury had the
highest incidence rates of gonorrhea in
2012.
The highest syphilis rates (>60 cases per
100,000) occurred in the South End,
South Dorchester, and East Boston.
Neighborhoods with the highest STI
rates mirror other disparities in health
status.
*Data Source for 2012 Sexually Transmitted Infections: Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Note: STI Surveillance Data were collected by MDPH and cannot be validated by BPHC
Boston Public Health Commission · Infectious Disease Bureau
1010 Massachusetts Ave · Boston, MA 02118
Phone: (617) 534-5611 · Fax: (617) 534-5905