A recent report by Harris County Public Health has revealed that the Houston area has a higher rate of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) compared to the Texas average. The study analyzed data from 2015-2022 and found that Harris County rates were significantly higher for chlamydia, congenital syphilis, gonorrhea, new HIV diagnoses, people living with HIV, and total syphilis.
The report highlights disparities in healthcare access as a major contributor to these higher rates. Racial and ethnic minorities often have limited access to high-quality healthcare, leading to delayed diagnosis, treatment, and adherence to antiretroviral therapies. The study also notes that living environments can significantly impact health outcomes, with adolescents living in distressed neighborhoods facing disproportionately higher rates of multiple sex partners, STIs, and sexual assault.
The study found that the highest rates of HIV were among multiracial and Black communities, while new diagnoses were most common among those aged 25-34. Chlamydia rates were highest among those aged 15-24, particularly in the Black community. Gonorrhea infections steadily rose over the study period, with the highest rates found in the Black community and those aged 15-24.
The report’s authors emphasize the importance of access to high-quality healthcare in early STI detection, treatment, and behavior-change counseling. Harris County Public Health has responded by expanding its free and low-cost testing services, community education campaigns, and HIV prevention strategies.
Source: https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/health-science/2025/04/16/519009/houston-has-higher-rates-of-hiv-and-stis-statewide-according-to-recent-report