North Dakota has seen biggest increase in STDs since 2000

(Fargo, ND) -- The steep increase in STD cases during the COVID-19 pandemic raised alarm bells nationwide. But was this a COVID-19 phenomenon?

According to a new report from LendingTree research site ValuePenguin.com, the short answer, is No. The report looked STD case numbers from 2000 to 2020 and found that the problem has been brewing for far longer, especially in North Dakota.

In fact, the number of Sexually Transmitted Disease cases per 100,000 residents increased by 369% in North Dakota from 2000-2020. This is the highest increase in the nation.

Nationally, cases of primary and secondary syphilis rose 505% between 2000 and 2020 — the biggest increase among the 5 STDs tracked. Congenital syphilis cases jumped 303%, Early non-primary, non-secondary syphilis cases rose 285% and Chlamydia cases increased 92% in the same time period. Gonorrhea cases, which experienced smallest increase, also rose by 61%.

You can view the full study by clicking here.