Health officials in Austin-Travis County are sounding the alarm as sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates continue to rise, urging residents to take advantage of local free or low-cost testing and treatment resources.

"Anyone can get an STI, but many don't show symptoms," warned Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County Public Health Authority. "With the rate of infection rising nationally and locally, we urge everyone to get tested regularly and treat any infections as soon as possible."

According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), STI levels, including gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia, are on the rise across the nation, mirroring the trend in Austin-Travis County. Alarming statistics from the Texas Department of State Health Services reveal:

• The number of new chlamydia infections per person remains stable but high at 614.8 cases per 100,000 population in 2020.
• The rate of new gonorrhea cases per person in Travis County has increased by 50 percent from 2015 to 2020.
• Primary and secondary syphilis cases per person increased by 30 percent from 2015 to 2020, reaching 20.7 cases per 100,000 population in Travis County.
• Although the new infection rate for HIV has been declining since 2015, black women in Travis County still have the highest rate of new HIV diagnoses among women of other races and ethnicities.

Highlighting the concern, health officials stress that many STIs, including chlamydia, human papillomavirus (HPV), and HIV, may not exhibit symptoms. Individuals may unknowingly carry infections and unwittingly transmit them to partners. Untreated STIs can lead to various health complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease, cancer, infertility, heart disease, organ failure, or chronic pain.

To curb the spread of STIs, health experts emphasize the importance of regular testing, even for those without symptoms or who believe they were not exposed. Early detection and treatment can prevent complications and transmission to others. Additionally, individuals can protect themselves by getting vaccinated against HPV and considering Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV contraction.

City of Austin offers FREE or low-cost resources for STI testing

Anyone in Austin or Travis County can take advantage of FREE or low-cost resources for STI testing and treatment, including:

• 3rd Annual LGBTQIA+ Health and Resource Fair – Dec. 9, 2023, 12 - 5p.m., Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, TX 78752, free parking available with validation. This public event offers STI/HIV testing, valuable resources from community organizations, entertainment and more.
• RBJ Sexual Health Clinic – 15 Waller St., Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., and 1 - 5 p.m., appointments recommended. $20 for testing and treatment of common STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV.
• Red Ribbon program – FREE testing for HIV as well as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis throughout the City by appointment or at the mobile clinic.