Sexually transmitted infections
The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) reported significant declines in syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea cases in 2025.
In 2025, San Francisco saw a 24% decrease in reported syphilis cases (892>678), an 18% decrease in chlamydia cases (4,219>3,467), and a 5% decrease in gonorrhea cases (4,812>4,578) compared to 2024.
A syphilis primer
The steepest declines in STI cases were among men who have sex with men and transgender women. The decline of STI cases in these populations has followed the implementation and use of doxy‑PEP, an antibiotic taken after sex that is highly effective at preventing syphilis and chlamydia.
“We are excited to see the progress being made in lowering STI diagnoses in San Francisco,” said San Francisco Health Officer Dr. Susan Philip. “This STI Awareness Week, we encourage the public to keep up the momentum by taking actions — such as getting tested — to protect their sexual health.”
“The remarkable drop in STI cases in San Francisco is due in large part to the trailblazing work that made the rollout of doxy-PEP possible,” said Dr. Stephanie Cohen, Director of STI and HIV Prevention and Control. “Doxy-PEP shows us that by investing in research and innovative programming, and by collaborating with healthcare providers and the community, we can improve public health in our City.”’
Clade I mpox
The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) confirmed the first case of clade I mpox in a San Francisco resident this week.
The case occurred in an unvaccinated adult who was hospitalized and is improving. The individual reported close contact with someone who traveled internationally.
Monkeypox Livestream
SFDPH strongly encourages people at risk for mpox to receive both doses of the mpox vaccine. The vaccine provides the best protection against the mpox virus and protects against both clade I and clade II. At this time, mpox exposure risk is low for individuals who are not in higher‑risk groups.
The mpox vaccine is available through healthcare providers and local pharmacies. Those who do not have insurance or are having difficulty accessing care may visit the locations listed at sf.gov/mpox.
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