The CDC has released its most up-to-date numbers on gonorrhea cases in the United States — and Florida was no exception.
Gonorrhea is a type of sexually transmitted disease caused by bacterial infection, and it’s the second-most commonly reported bacterial STD in the U.S.
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According to the most recent data (which comes from 2021), Washington, D.C. topped the nation in rates of gonorrhea, at 645 cases per 100,000 people.
Mississippi came in at No. 2 (427.7 cases per 100,000 people), and South Dakota ranked No. 3 (363.9 cases per 100,000 people).
Meanwhile, Florida placed around halfway down the list at No. 25, with about 205.4 cases per 100,000 people (44,738 total cases).
But within the Sunshine State, some counties fared better than others.
The top three counties for total gonorrhea reports were Miami-Dade County (6,275 cases), Broward County (4,995 cases), and Orange County (4,584 cases).
However, the following counties struggled with gonorrhea cases most frequently:
| Rank | County | Cases per 100,000 People |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gadsden | 533 |
| 2 | Leon | 505.1 |
| 3 | Duval | 442.2 |
| 4 | Alachua | 371.4 |
| 5 | Escambia | 348 |
| 6 | Jackson | 341.8 |
| 7 | Orange | 322.2 |
| 8 | Hillsborough | 271 |
| 9 | Washington | 267.3 |
| 10 | Columbia | 262.8 |
In Central Florida, the region suffered a lower-than-average rate of cases, with just under 192 reports per 100,000 people.
The disease can be spread vaginally, anally or orally, though CDC officials say that gonorrhea has been a greater risk in the following populations:
- Sexually active people between 15 and 24 years old
- Gay and bisexual males
- African Americans
- People with multiple sexual partners
Those infected with gonorrhea may experience a burning sensation when peeing, increased vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding between periods, painful or swollen testes, anal itching, infertility, and/or painful bowel movements, among other health problems.
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To reduce the risk of suffering gonorrhea or to help identify whether you’re infected, the CDC suggests the following tips.
- Abstinence: The only surefire way to avoid STDs is to not have vaginal, anal or oral sex.
- Reduce sexual encounters: Being in a long-term monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested can cut down your risk for contracting gonorrhea.
- Condoms: Using condoms the right way will provide extra protections during intercourse.
- Get tested: If you are a sexually active gay or bisexual man, you should get tested for gonorrhea every year. For sexually active women, you should get tested every year if you are:
- younger than 25 years.
- 25 years or older with risk factors, such as new or multiple sex partners, or a sex partner with a sexually transmitted infection.
For more information on gonorrhea, visit the CDC’s website here.
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