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HIV and STI data

The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department released data in December 2023 showing:

  • Rates of most sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic-related decreases seen during early 2020, reaching pre-pandemic levels for HIV, but not quite returning to pre-pandemic levels for other STIs.
  • The rates of STIs and HIV are particularly high for some populations, reminding us of the disparities that continue to persist, especially among those identifying as Hispanic/Latinx or African American/Black.
  • Communities with the least access to resources have the highest burden of STIs and HIV, according to new mapping techniques.

Quick facts: HIV and STI cases in 2022

165
New HIV diagnoses
3,770
People living with diagnosed HIV
5,726
New chlamydia diagnoses
1,044
New syphilis diagnoses
2,362
New gonorrhea diagnoses
213
Cases of mpox

HIV Overview in Santa Clara County

In the county, annual new HIV diagnoses peaked between 1989 to 1991, followed by a decline through 2000, and have remained relative stability since then. The dip in 2020 can likely be attributed to delays in testing and diagnoses due to the impact of COVID-19. Advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART) have made treatment for HIV infection more accessible and safer than in the earlier stages of the epidemic. As a result, individuals with HIV are experiencing increased life expectancy, contributing to a decline in HIV-related deaths over the past few decades.

o In the county, annual new HIV diagnoses peaked between 1989 to 1991, followed by a decline through 2000, and have remained relative stability since then. The dip in 2020 can likely be attributed to delays in testing and diagnoses due to the impact of COVID-19. Advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART) have made treatment for HIV infection more accessible and safer than in the earlier stages of the epidemic. As a result, individuals with HIV are experiencing increased life expectancy, contributing to a

STI Overview in Santa Clara County

From 2013 to 2019, rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis increased countywide, as well as nationwide. However, in 2020, these rates dropped due to pandemic-related changes, including reduced testing and diagnoses. This decline was particularly notable for chlamydia, which is often diagnosed through routine screenings due to its asymptomatic nature. By 2022, chlamydia rates continued to rise, approaching pre-pandemic levels, while gonorrhea and syphilis rates appeared to stabilize at pre-pandemic levels.

From 2013-2019, rates of STI increased countywide, as well as nationwide

Take steps for prevention!

The following are steps you or anyone you know can take for prevention:

  1. Get screened and tested at least once annually – call your doctors office and schedule an appointment. If you’re uninsured, you can call the Public Health Department to learn about options available to you to get tested and screened.
  2. Talk with your partner about their status before having sex. It is safer for both you and your partner if you get tested, know your status, and can comfortably talk about it before having sex.

  3. Test positive or experiencing symptoms? Most STIs can be successfully treated, and HIV can be managed for individuals to live a long healthy life. Talk to your doctor about treatment options.

    STI and HIV Testing INformation 

     

STI and HIV Reports

For more information on HIV and STI, visit these resources:

HIV Epidemiology OVerview, 2024 

Getting to zero initiative: HIV and aging needs assessment report, 2022

STI and HIV Epidemiology annual report, 2022

STI and HIV Epidemiology annual report, 2021

STI and HIV Epidemiology annual report, 2019-2020