21 Prevention & Control of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

21.1 Prevention and Contact Tracing:

The SLCoHD STD Prevention program works to ensure timely treatment of diagnosed patients and partners and to provide prevention education in order to reduce transmission to others and re-infection. Early intervention has shown to be the most effective method for containing and reducing STD disease rates in a community. STD prevention includes routine screening for anyone who is sexually active followed by timely treatment of patients and partners. More information on STD prevention and services in Salt Lake County can be found on the SLCoHD STD Clinic webpage.

21.2 Current Trends and Outbreaks

Individuals aged 18-29 years continue to make up the largest proportion of those with chlamydia, gonorrhea, and newly diagnosed HIV infection.

Communities of color are disproportionately affected by all STD and HIV rates.

Syphilis rates continue to increase in Salt Lake County and in the US in 2023. Congenital syphilis continues to be a concern, as more females in Salt Lake County are being diagnosed with syphilis.