These Two South Carolina Cities Rank Among The Worst For STDs

South Carolina cities rank high on a recent list of American cities with the highest sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates, revealing a severe public health crisis.

A new report indicates that these 3 South Carolina cities have alarmingly high STD rates, ranking them among the 25 most affected cities in the U.S.

Conducting The STD Study

Innerbody.com conducted a study of U.S. Cities with the Highest STD Rates. And among the top 50 on the list, three of the cities were located in South Carolina. Their research team dove deep into the CDC’s latest STD Surveillance Statistics and provided their analysis of current trends in 2024.

These 2 South Carolina Cities Have The Highest STD Rates In The Country

These rates not only reveal the severe health crises faced by these South Carolina cities but also bring attention to the nationwide issue of sexually transmitted diseases. As such, these figures call for prompt public health action to educate the public and curb the spread of STDs.

One South Carolina City came in at the #21 spot for having the highest STD rates.

Columbia, the capital of South Carolina, comes in at number 3 on the list, displaying a high prevalence of STD cases, notably chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

• STD Cases Per 100K: 1,166
  • Hiv Cases: 134
  • Chlamydia Cases: 7,172
  • Gonorrhea Cases: 3,007
  • Syphilis Cases: 128

Columbia, SC, dropped 18 spots from #3 to #21 in this years study.

Charleston follows suit with the 52nd highest STD rate, primarily influenced by its rising number of gonorrhea and chlamydia cases. Despite being a prime tourist destination, these escalating rates cast a shadow over the city's reputation.

• STD Cases Per 100K: 856
  • Hiv Cases: 96
  • Chlamydia Cases: 5,468
  • Gonorrhea Cases: 2,098
  • Syphilis Cases: 135

Charleston fell from the Top 25, down to #52 from #14.

Get Tested

Efforts are currently underway in these cities to manage the crisis. Many initiatives focus on improving awareness about the importance of regular testing, the use of protection, and encouraging open discussions about sexual health to remove the stigma surrounding STDs.

Public health officials emphasize the necessity of getting regularly tested and knowing your status, as many STDs can be asymptomatic. Preventative measures are an essential part of curbing the rise of STDs and must be combined with effective treatment plans for those diagnosed.

The overall picture projected by this data is concerning, reflecting a need for continuous and aggressive interventions in South Carolina and other similarly affected areas throughout the nation.

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