TWIN TIERS, N.Y. (WENY) -- According to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than two-and-a-half million cases of sexually transmitted diseases were reported in the United States in 2022.  

The country's epidemic of STDs only continues to grow. On a national level, according to the CDC, chlamydia accounted for about two-thirds of the STDs, also known as sexually transmitted infections, reported in 2022.  

The cases of chlamydia have held steady, reported cases of gonorrhea decreased in 2022. But syphilis cases have continued to climb to the highest level in decades, with a 17 percent jump in just one year.  

Dr. Justin Nistico, an infectious disease specialist at Arnot Health, said Arnot has seen many STI cases, especially syphilis, in Chemung County.  

“When you’re looking at the statistics across the nation as well as just the New York State area, rates of syphilis have definitely increased this year and we have seen quite a few that have come through,” he said.  

Dr. Nistico attributes the dramatic increase in STIs to people not recognizing symptoms, the rise of drug abuse, and not being able to afford proper health care. He added that there are still ways to prevent the spread.  

“We always want to encourage the use of contraception...as well as encouraging individuals to get tested if they’re concerned because these things are treatable,” he said. “It’s important...if you don’t treat them right away...there could be consequences.” 

If you feel like you could be experiencing STI symptoms, you should contact your local health care provider. Arnot Health also offers rapid testing and treatment at the HIV Care Clinic.