‘It’s Concerning’ – The Most Common Sexually Transmitted Infections In Minnesota

In a good news / bad news press release, the Minnesota Department of Health recently shared some statistics. There's been a slight dip in sexually transmitted infections from 2022-2023, but numbers are so high that it's still a significant concern.

Total cases from 2022 to 2023

In 2022, the Minnesota Department Of Health (MDH) reported 32,072 STI cases. Last year in 2023, the MDH reported 31,232 cases. That's about a 3% decrease, which is headed in the right direction. Still, there are some alarming numbers to be aware of.

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HIV infections are at the highest level in a decade.

From 2022-2023, there was a 24% increase in newly diagnosed HIV infections.

“STIs and HIV are highly preventable, but we continue to see high numbers of reported cases and the large increase in HIV and congenital syphilis infections is troubling,” said Dr. Ruth Lynfield, state epidemiologist and medical director at MDH.

The MDH reminds people that HIV is very preventable and there are many ways to reduce your risk of contracting STIs and HIV.

• consistent and correct condom usage
• don't share needles
• safe piercing and tattoo practices
• preventative medications

Congenital syphilis is at its highest level in 40 years.

The MDH data shows that there were 29 cases of congenital syphilis in Minnesota. That's when a pregnant person passes their syphilis infection on to their fetus during pregnancy.

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Notable trends in 2023:

Chlamydia is the most reported STI in Minnesota. MDH data shows that there were 21,767 cases in 2023. 59% of the cases were in teens and young adults age 15-24.

Gonnorhea was the second most reported STI in the state. There were 7,717 cases last year. That's actually down 5.5% year over year.

Syphilis cases were third with 1,748 reports. In a "concerning demographic shift," more women are contracting the infections. In previous year the most early syphilis cases were among men who have sex with men. The change in infections is something MDH is monitoring.

You can read the full report from the Minnesota Department of Health's website.