Low for STIs rates

NEW research has revealed the top 10 areas of England that have the most (and least) diagnosed sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and Wokingham is ranked in ninth place as one of the lowest infected areas.

Health experts at NowPatient have looked at STI data to reveal the areas where infections are most prevalent, both overall and by individual STIs.

Wokingham featured in ninth place as the lowest STI infected area of England, with 467 newly reported diagnoses and 262.11 per 100,000 people in the area.

Reacting to the news, a council spokesperson told Wokingham Today: “Low STI rates in Wokingham Borough reflect the good work of the sexual health services and partnership, working to educate and deliver safe and accessible services.

“We encourage everyone to have a STI check-up.

“It is quick and easy to do and many tests can be done at home.”

The research revealed that Lincoln has the highest STI diagnosis rate outside of London at 1,974.98 cases per 100,000 people.

Nearby Nottingham also scored highly, placing fourth overall, suggesting an STI hotspot in the area.

Liverpool has the secondhighest STI diagnosis rate outside of the capital, with

1,514.38 cases per 100,000 people. Manchester has the third-highest rate of STI diagnoses in the country, outside of London, with 1,403.47 new cases per 100,000 people.

With 7,717 new diagnoses in 2022, Manchester has the highest base number of new infections outside of London. Manchester’s high rate of diagnoses also suggests the existence of an STI hotspot in the North West’s largest cities, with Liverpool, Manchester and Salford all making the top 10.