AUSTIN, Texas - Rising numbers of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Austin-Travis County have officials urging individuals to use local FREE or low-cost testing and treatment resources to prevent the spread of infection.

“Anyone can get an STI, but many don’t show symptoms,” said Austin-Travis County Public Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes. “At the same time, many STIs can be treated, and early detection can prevent major complications and spread. With the rate of infection rising nationally and locally, we urge everyone to get tested regularly and treat any infections as soon as possible.”

Rates of infection increasing in Austin-Travis County

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the levels of many STIs including gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia have increased across the nation, and Austin-Travis County is unfortunately following suit. The most current data available from the Texas Department of State Health Services show some alarming statistics including:

• The number of new chlamydia infections per person remains stable but still high at 614.8 cases per 100,000 population in 2020.
• The rate of new cases of gonorrhea per person for Travis County has been steadily increasing with a 50 percent increase from 2015 to 2020.  
• In 2015, the number of new primary and secondary syphilis cases per person in Travis County was 15.7 per 100,000 population. By 2020, cases increased by 30 percent to 20.7 cases per 100,000 population.
• The new infection rate for HIV has been declining in Travis County since 2015, but there are still disparities. Black women in Travis County have the highest rate of new HIV diagnoses compared to women of other races and ethnicities.  

Common STIs may not have symptoms

Many STIs, including chlamydia, human papillomavirus (HPV) and HIV may not show symptoms. Individuals may have an infection without knowing and unwittingly pass that infection on to their partner or partners. Infected people with an untreated STI may also develop other health concerns or complications like pelvic inflammatory disease, cancer, infertility, heart disease, organ failure or chronic pain.  

Get tested and treat STIs to protect yourself and others

A critical step to prevent the spread of STIs is to get tested regularly, even if you don’t have symptoms or don’t think you were exposed. Early treatment can prevent complications from STIs and keep you from passing one to someone else. You can also get vaccinated against HPV and start PrEP to prevent contracting HIV.  

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.