Syphilis cases drop statewide but rise in Baton Rouge, LDH says
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — As part of STI Awareness Week, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) released updated data showing a statewide decrease in early syphilis cases from 2023 to 2024, but Baton Rouge is bucking that trend.
According to LDH's fourth-quarter surveillance report, the total number of early syphilis diagnoses in Louisiana dropped from 1,857 in 2023 to 1,557 in 2024. That includes both Primary & Secondary (P&S) syphilis and early non-P&S syphilis.
P&S syphilis diagnoses fell from 1,082 to 843.
Early non-P&S syphilis diagnoses decreased from 775 to 714.
While New Orleans saw its share of statewide cases decline from 25% in 2023 to 17% in 2024, Baton Rouge's share increased from 20% to 23%.
LDH said STIs 'continue to have a significant impact on the health of Louisiana residents,' particularly among young people and communities of color.
61% of those diagnosed with early syphilis in 2024 were Black, up from 59% the year before.
People aged 13–34 made up the majority of cases in both years. Those aged 13–24 accounted for 23% in each year, while those aged 25–34 increased from 35% in 2023 to 38% in 2024.
Report: Louisiana has high rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis
Men made up the majority of early syphilis cases both years (66% in 2023, 65% in 2024).
The most commonly reported risk factor for early syphilis was heterosexual activity, rising from 62% in 2023 to 66% in 2024. Reported drug use among those diagnosed remained steady at 36%. The percentage of those identifying as gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men dropped from 38% in 2023 to 33% in 2024.
LDH urges residents to get tested for STIs every three to six months, particularly those who are sexually active with new or multiple partners. 'The most common symptom of an STI,' the department noted, 'is no symptom at all.'
For more information on STI prevention and testing, visit the Louisiana Health Hub's website.
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