Did you know April is STD Awareness Month? More importantly, did you know that a new study ranks several Florida cities in the top 20 for sexually transmitted diseases?
In their 6th annual study of STD rates, Innerbody Research looked at the data in cities all across the country to compile their list of the top 100 cities with the highest STD rates. This year’s report has Memphis, Tennessee at the top of the list with 1,460 STD cases per 100,000 residents, followed by last year’s chart-topper, Jackson, Mississippi, which slipped to 2nd place with 1,358 STD cases per 100,000 residents. As has been the case in years past, STDs continue to be particularly widespread in the South. Of the top 25, 14 are Southern cities.
The study is based on data from the CDC’s latest STD Surveillance Statistics. It showed that chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are the most commonly reported new infections in this category. The CDC is also a good resource for tips to prevent getting a STD – including abstinence, vaccination to prevent HPV and hepatitis B, reducing the number of sex partners, monogamy, and using condoms. The CDC stresses that if you’re sexually active, getting tested for STDs is one of the most critical ways to protect your health, and the health of your partner(s).
Florida makes an impressive showing with 7 cities in the top 100 overall, including 3 in the top 20. That’s right, more than a half dozen Florida cities have some of the highest STD rates in the country. Here’s how they stack up. Notice Tampa is right in the middle of the pack.
Here are the Florida Cities With The Most STD’s:
#16: Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville was the first Florida city to make the list with 997 cases per 100k people.
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#17: Miami, Florida
No surprise Miami made this list, since it’s known to be a huge party city. They are right behind Jacksonville with 987 cases per 100k people.
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#19: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
With Ft. Lauderdale being right next to Miami, it makes sense that they’re only a couple spots behind them on this list. Fort Lauderdale reported 950 cases for every 100k people.
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#53: Orlando, Florida
Orlando has 750 cases per 100k people. With it being so close to The Villages, we were expecting more.
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#59: Tampa, Florida
Tampa recorded 694 cases per 100,000 residents. This is probably the 1 thing we don’t want to be #1 for.
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#83: West Palm Beach, Florida
West Palm Beach recorded 525 cases per 100k people.
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
#87: Daytona Beach, Florida
The last Florida city to make the list was Daytona Beach. They recorded 480 cases per 100k people.
Daytona Beach offers 23 miles of white sand beach. Drive along the A1A coastline or trade in your car for a golf cart or bicycle. Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images
