Spokane Counts 2011

STIs

Infectious Disease

Indicator: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Definition: Rate of reported cases of sexually transmitted diseases per 100,000 individuals; STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, primary and secondary syphilis, and HIV.

Why is this important: Engaging in unsafe sexual activity can have lasting and unintended consequences. Sexually transmitted infections can harm reproductive and general health and cause psychological and emotional harm. The reported rate of STIs underestimates the true prevalence of disease because many infections are asymptomatic and undiagnosed, and some of the more prevalent viral infections are not reported at all.

Where are we: In 2009 in Spokane County, there were 1,792 new cases of sexually transmitted diseases. There was a significant increase in the STD rate from 2005 to 2009. The 2009 STI rate in Spokane County was significantly higher than that of Washington State, but significantly lower than that of the U.S.

Health Disparities:

Among Spokane County residents in 2009:

18-34 year olds were more likely to have an STI than other age groups.
Females were more likely to have an STI than males.

Additional Information: Chlamydia is the most frequently reported STD. The prevalence is likely much higher as approximately three quarters of infected women and 50% of infected men have no symptoms. If left untreated, chlamydia may cause reproductive or other health problems.

It is also important to note that women are selectively screened for chlamydia. Because active case-finding is preferentially limited to women, the incidence of chlamydia in men may be under-reported by comparison.

(click to enlarge)

	Data Source	DOH, CHS 2009
		Rate per 100,000
Geography	Spokane County	385.4 (368.0-403.6)
	WA	363.7 (359.1-368.3)
	U.S.	521.6

	Trend	05-09 Increase

Age	<18 yrs	200.3 (175.5-228.5)
	18-34 yrs	1338.4 (1272.2-1408.0)
	35-44 yrs	122.0 (97.2-153.2)
	45-64 yrs	20.4 (13.8-30.1)
	65+ yrs	0.0 (-)

Sex	Male	205.3 (187.6-224.7)
	Female	559.7 (530.4-590.6)

Data Source: Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics.

Spokane Regional Health District · Community Health Assessment · 1101 W College Ave, Room 360, Spokane, WA 99201
509.323.2853 | FAX 509.232.1706 | TDD 509.324.1464 · www.srhd.org/spokanecounts