Staff Chula Vista Today
For the second consecutive year, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) declined in San Diego County, according to 2024 data released by the California Department of Public Health.
The downward trend mirrors what is happening statewide. However, authorities caution that severe cases — particularly among newborns — remain a serious concern.
STIs, which are transmitted through sexual contact involving genital contact or bodily fluids and can also be passed from a pregnant person to a fetus, continue to affect thousands of residents each year. Although many infections are treatable, untreated cases can lead to severe health complications and, in some instances, death.
Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Syphilis Decline
According to the county’s HIV, STD and Hepatitis Branch, chlamydia — the most commonly reported infection — fell by 7.4%, from 17,720 cases in 2023 to 16,414 in 2024. The highest infection rates remain among women ages 20 to 24.
Gonorrhea cases dropped 9.5%, from 6,651 in 2023 to 6,021 in 2024. Men ages 25 to 29 continue to show the highest rates of infection.
The sharpest decline was seen in primary and secondary syphilis, which decreased 35.8%, from 481 cases in 2023 to 309 in 2024. Infection rates remain highest among men ages 25 to 34.
Congenital syphilis — transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy — decreased slightly, from 36 to 31 cases. However, 2024 recorded three fetal or neonatal deaths associated with the disease, the highest number since 2019.
“These numbers are encouraging, but there is still work to do,” said Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan, the county’s Public Health Officer. “We must focus on reducing maternal syphilis cases and preventing babies from being born with congenital syphilis,” she emphasized.
Call for Prevention
Health officials recommend that anyone who is sexually active establish a sexual health routine that includes regular screening, vaccination when available, and ongoing visits with a healthcare provider.
Although the statistics point to sustained improvement, the persistence of deaths linked to congenital syphilis underscores that the crisis is not over. Early access to testing and treatment remains a key tool in preventing transmission.
The county operates three walk-in sexual health clinics offering testing, diagnosis and treatment: North Coastal Public Health Center, 1701 Mission Ave., Suite 210 in Oceanside, (760) 967-4401; Central Public Health Center at the Southeastern Live Well Center, 5101 Market St., Suite 2000 in San Diego, (619) 229-5400; and South Public Health Center, 690 Oxford St., Suite B in Chula Vista, (619) 409-3089. For additional information, call (619) 293-4700.