Sexually transmitted infections on the rise in Pueblo County; prevention efforts ramp up
Increasing rates of sexually transmitted infections in Pueblo have led to a new communitywide prevention effort, according to the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment.
While STI rates in Pueblo County have historically exceeded those of other Colorado counties, recent rates of syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia in Pueblo have led the county health department and 10 community partners to form the Mobilization and Prevention of STIs Coalition, which aims to "widen the scope" of prevention through education, treatment and testing. The coalition's efforts also seek to reduce transmission of HIV and viral hepatitis.
"Looking at the rate increases has been startling," said Justin Gage, program manager for PDPHE. "A wake-up call to health care in Pueblo occurred when babies were born with syphilis, a preventable illness ... making prevention and testing efforts available across Pueblo became a priority of PDPHE."
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In 2021, Pueblo County's syphilis infection rate was 1.38 cases per 1,000 people — more than triple the Colorado state average and almost double the county's infection rate in 2020. The 2021 gonorrhea infection rate, 2.69 cases per 1,000 population, also exceeded the Colorado state average. Pueblo County's chlamydia infection rate, 5.67 cases per 1,000 population, decreased in 2021 compared to 2020 but remains above the state average.
Lack of education is one of the biggest contributors to Pueblo County's rising STI rates, Gage said. To address the education gap, the new coalition plans on increasing promotion of "Go Ask Tara," an online sexual health resource created by PDPHE. The website includes information related to STIs, prevention methods, birth control methods and healthy relationships.
Through surveillance testing and patient interviews, PDPHE found many patients with syphilis did not show symptoms of infection such as sores and rashes prior to testing positive. Gage said carriers of syphilis may be passing the disease to partners unknowingly through unprotected sex. He said it is important for those who have had multiple sexual partners to get tested at least once a year, if not more often.
Methods of preventing the spread of syphilis are similar to prevention methods for gonorrhea, chlamydia, viral hepatitis, HIV and other infections spread through sexual contact, Gage said. Prevention methods include being abstinent or using barriers like condoms, internal condoms and dental dams during sexual activity.
Those who are sexually active should also get tested regularly, talk to partners honestly and without judgement about STIs and learn how to care for their health. Those with concerns may schedule an appointment by contacting their doctor or the PDPHE clinic at 719-583-4380.
In addition to PDPHE, members of the Mobilization and Prevention of STIs Coalition include United Way of Pueblo County, Health Solutions, Crossroads, Pueblo Community Health Center, Southern Colorado Access Point, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, Pueblo Rape Crisis Services, Champion Family Medicine and Steppingstone Pediatric.
Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached by email at JBartolo@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Sexually transmitted infections on the rise in Pueblo County
