Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Infection Rates in Wisconsin, 2010-2022

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the most commonly reported bacterial communicable diseases in Wisconsin, with rising incidence rates despite effective treatments. Examining demographic trends can inform public health strategies.

We analyzed Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System data (2010-2022) to assess chlamydia and gonorrhea incidence by sex, age, and race.

From 2010 through 2022, chlamydia rates in Wisconsin rose 4.9% (415.5 to 435.9 per 100 000), while gonorrhea rates increased 62.8% (90.7 to 147.7 per 100 000). Among females 15 to 24 years old, chlamydia rates declined 12.0% (3308.5 to 2912.8 per 100 000) but increased 30.1% (203.1 to 264.2 per 100 000) among females 25 years old and older. Gonorrhea rates rose 6.3% (574.7 to 610.6 per 100 000) in females 15 to 24 years old but nearly doubled (47.4 to 82.0 per 100 000) for those 25 and older. Among males 15 to 24 years old, chlamydia rates increased 10.7% (1046.4 to 1158.8 per 100 000) and increased 47.7% in males 25 years old and older (130.7 to 193.1 per 100 000). Gonorrhea rates rose 52.2% in males 15 to 24 years old (295.7 to 450.1 per 100 000) and rose 226.8% in males 25 years old and older (40.7 to 133.0 per 100 000). In 2010, chlamydia rates were 14 times higher and gonorrhea rates nearly 40 times higher among Black individuals compared to White individuals, narrowing to 11 and 30 times higher, respectively, by 2022.

Chlamydia and gonorrhea incidence rates have risen across most populations in Wisconsin but disproportionately affect Black individuals, with the largest racial disparities seen in the nation. While chlamydia rates remained stable among young females, they increased among males and older adults. Gonorrhea rates surged across nearly all groups. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to expand screening, address structural barriers to health care, and reduce disparities.