Oklahoma County outpaces nation on most STDs

Sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise across Oklahoma County, with the highest number of cases reported in five ZIP codes on the east side of Oklahoma City, according to data recently released by the Oklahoma City-County Health Department.

Infection rates for chlamydia in Oklahoma County are 70 percent higher than the national average, and many health officials think cases are underreported.

If left untreated, the disease can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and problems for pregnant women.

“Not getting treated can be damaging for women,” said Kerri Stewart, registered nurse at the health department clinic at 2700 NE 63.

Symptoms of chlamydia often do not show up, which can lead to many cases going unreported, Stewart said.

The numbers are highest in three categories — people ages 20-24, females and blacks, according to the annual health department’s Wellness Score for 2017.

The countywide study-released in May was conducted by the health department from 2013 to 2015.

It shows most STDs in Oklahoma County are higher than the national average.

Every STD is more common in the 15-to-24 age range, said Megan Holderness, administrator of epidemiology at the health department.

“That is the age that STDs are hitting the hardest,” Holderness said. “We have higher rates here than any other part of Oklahoma.”

One reason for more cases among women could be testing for STDs done alongside their annual pap smear test, said Terrainia Harris, prevention specialist with the state Health Department.

Syphilis and gonorrhea are both higher than the national average in Oklahoma County. Black men had the highest rate of new HIV cases in the county.

The number of STDs is rising among the LGBT community, with minorities some of the hardest hit.

“There is a lot shame ... within the minority communities when it comes to talking about this subject,” said Kris Williams, the LGBTQ+ youth coordinator for NorthCare, a nonprofit mental health agency.

Williams said there is a need for more minority mentors in the field to discuss STDs with those affected.

“We are an evolving community,” she said.

A statewide increase

The number of STDs also are on the rise statewide, with Oklahoma and Tulsa counties leading the way.

“We have seen a large increase in the last five years with these diseases,” said Harris. “Many STDs, including HIV, often show no symptoms, so many people who have an STD do not know it.”

State Health Department officials say some doctors do not like to ask people who are married or older about the possibility of having an STD.

“Sometimes stigmas can get in the way of being properly treated,” Harris said.“Be OK with asking.”

Chlamydia is the highest reported STD in the state, with 21,449 cases statewide in 2016. Gonorrhea is the second most reported STD in Oklahoma, with 7,574 cases in 2016, according to the state Health Department’s Division of Surveillance and Analysis for STDs.

Primary and secondary syphilis also is on the rise, with 264 cases in 2016. The number of cases is projected to continue to increase. Syphilis is a bacterial infection which, if left untreated, can cause heart and nerve damage.