News Photo by Kayla Wikaryasz An examination room at the Alpena District Health Department No. 4 office is seen on Wednesday. The DHD4 says that regular testing is one way community members can help reduce the climbing rates of STIs in Michigan.

ALPENA — April is Sexually Transmitted Illness (STI) Awareness Month, and STI rates are on the rise in Michigan. The District Health Department No. 4 (DHD4) encourages people to get tested regularly and to advocate for their sexual health.

According to a Wednesday DHD4 press release, STIs are preventable and can be easily treated. DHD4 suggests getting tested regularly, using condoms, reducing the number of sexual partners, and getting vaccinated for hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV). In doing so, residents can reduce STI rates in Michigan.

In the DHD4 press release, the department states that syphilis rates in pregnant individuals have increased in Michigan. Infected pregnant individuals can pass syphilis to their babies, which is known as congenital syphilis. According to the DHD4, if congenital syphilis is left untreated, it can lead to further complications for the baby.

In 2023, there were 55 congenital syphilis cases, and in 2024, there were 56 reported congenital syphilis cases, according to the DHD4 press release. The DHD4 reports that these are the highest rates in Michigan in 30 years.

Overall, rates of infectious syphilis are high in Michigan, according to the DHD4. In 10 years, syphilis rates have increased in Michigan by 70%. These cases disproportionally affect homosexual and bisexual men, though rates have increased among heterosexual men and women.

According to the press release, syphilis cases among people aged 20 to 45 have also increased.

The DHD4 states that chlamydia and gonorrhea remain the most common STIs in Michigan and reports that Black Michigan residents are disproportionately affected compared to white Michigan residents.

Chelsea Engle, DHD4 public health nursing director, stated in the press release that advocating for one’s sexual health is important for both individuals and the public.

“Regular STI testing is a critical part of maintaining overall health – yet, too often, these infections go undiagnosed and untreated,” Engle said. “With syphilis rates rising in Michigan, it’s more important than ever to take proactive steps to protect ourselves and our communities. Having respect for individual preferences, needs and situations while educating clients helps them make the best decisions for their reproductive health.”

According to the DHD4 press release, doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy PEP) can reduce the chances of individuals being infected with bacterial STIs. The DHD4 points to recent studies suggesting that taking doxy PEP can reduce chances of contracting syphilis and chlamydia by 74-88%; doxy PEP can also reduce the chances of contracting gonorrhea by 55-57%.

According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), gonorrhea rates spiked in 2014 but then sharply decreased in 2023. As of July 2024, there were 15,298 reported cases of gonorrhea and 43,161 reported cases of chlamydia in Michigan.

Overall, the DHD4 suggests getting tested regularly for STIs and taking preventative measures to help reduce the rising rates of STIs in Michigan. The DHD4 offices offer STI testing and have dedicated health professionals on site.

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.