The Florida Department of Health’s 2023 report reveals significant variations in the rates of bacterial sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) across the state’s counties, shedding light on areas with the highest concentrations of infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. These findings offer new insights that may challenge commonly held assumptions.
Gadsden County tops the list with the highest STD rate in Florida, recording 1,882.6 cases per 100,000 people. Following closely behind are Leon County at 1,690.5, Hamilton County at 1,505.0, and Duval County at 1,328.7. For context, the statewide average rate stands at 788.2 per 100,000 people.
It’s important to note that a high rate doesn’t necessarily indicate a high number of cases. Gadsden County, despite having the highest per-capita rate, reported only 831 cases in a population of 44,140. By comparison, Miami-Dade County, which has a much larger population of 2.8 million, reported 28,176 cases, but with a lower rate of 1,011.7 per 100,000.
On the other side of the spectrum, the counties with the lowest STD rates include Charlotte (235.4), Citrus (241.2), Sumter (257.5), St. Johns (258.8), and Martin (298.6).
The Florida Department of Health’s data includes interactive tools for tracking these trends over time. A line graph tracks changes in STD rates for counties with at least three years of data, while a color-coded quartile map illustrates where rates are highest and lowest compared to one another.
To ensure accuracy, the report excludes individuals whose county of residence is unknown. Rates marked with an asterisk (*) are considered statistically significant, meaning they deviate from the statewide average after accounting for population size and other factors.
These findings underscore the complexity of STD trends across Florida, with factors like population density, healthcare access, and testing rates influencing both the total number of cases and the per-capita rates. The data highlights the need to interpret STD rates within their local context for a better understanding of the state’s public health landscape.
For more detailed information, including charts and maps, visit the Florida Health Charts website.
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