CDC Flags Mississippi for Record STD Surge
Mississippi just logged about 1,200 STD cases per 100,000 residents in 2023 according to updated CDC data.
Hey, I’m Riley Carter, your semi-engaged guide to the news you didn’t ask for. Okay, but like why is this happening?
The Southern state has become ground zero for a sexually transmitted disease spike that health experts are calling an epidemic. Recent figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show Mississippi leading the nation with infection rates that outpace its neighboring states by a wide margin. Gonorrhea, chlamydia and even HIV rates have climbed dramatically, but it is syphilis—especially congenital cases—that has prompted the CDC to officially declare an emergency in Mississippi.
Breaking down the numbers, Mississippi ranks third in primary and secondary syphilis, fifth in gonorrhea and second in chlamydia among all U.S. states. To put it bluntly, one person in every 100 in Mississippi now carries at least one STD. That’s more than a red flag—it’s a billboard saying something is very wrong with prevention and access to care on the ground.
Gonorrhea and chlamydia are bacterial infections spread by contact with infected fluids, typically during sex. If left untreated, they can cause long-term complications like pelvic inflammatory disease in women and infertility in both sexes. Syphilis operates similarly, but it also has a dangerous congenital route. Expectant mothers who are infected can unknowingly transfer syphilis to their unborn babies, leading to miscarriage, stillbirth or severe neonatal illness.
Sources confirm this isn’t a one-off blip. Data from the 2023 CDC Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance Report shows Mississippi’s congenital syphilis rate jumping by double digits in just one year. Public health officials are urging everyone, regardless of age or background, to get regular screenings and to use protection consistently.
Rural communities in Mississippi often lack nearby clinics, and social stigma around sexual health can discourage folks from seeking treatment. Mobile testing units and telehealth consultations are emerging as vital tools to bridge gaps in care, but adoption has been slow. Local health departments are pushing education campaigns, free testing events and partnerships with community centers to reverse the trend.
Still, experts warn that awareness alone won’t solve the problem. They stress that funding for testing, treatment and outreach needs a major boost. Without sustained investment, Mississippi risks falling even further behind on key public health markers.
So if you live in or plan to visit Mississippi, or if you just want to stay informed, consider this your reminder to book that screening appointment. It might feel awkward, but it could save lives—and prevent a preventable health crisis from getting worse.
Alright, so like, that’s where we stand. Stay safe out there.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
