Overview

• Harris County's rates of HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia have risen faster than statewide averages, with syphilis rates more than doubling between 2016 and 2022.
• Black and multiracial residents face the highest infection rates, with significant disparities linked to systemic inequities in healthcare access and housing.
• Young people aged 15-24 have the highest rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea, while new HIV diagnoses are most common among those aged 25-34.
• Men who have sex with men account for the majority of new HIV diagnoses, underscoring the need for targeted prevention strategies.
• Harris County Public Health is expanding free and low-cost testing, launching community education campaigns, and scaling up prevention efforts to address the outbreak.